Cleaning device
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Handheld vacuum cleaners with pivotable nozzles are bulky and difficult to use in small spaces, and often require separate storage and retrieval of accessories, which is inconvenient and can lead to forgotten tools, while integrated carpet brushes limit versatility on non-floor surfaces.
Innovation Solution
A vacuum cleaner design featuring a pivotable inlet nozzle that transitions between fluid communication with a flexible hose and a remote position, allowing for compact storage and easy access, with a detachable flexible hose that doubles in length for storage and includes a second inlet nozzle for accessory coupling, ensuring continuous negative pressure and versatility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a pivotable nozzle is provided to reach high surfaces, then cleaning versatility is improved, but the device becomes bulky and cannot fit into small spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the flexible hose from the main body of the vacuum cleaner and provides it as a separate, detachable component. This allows the main body to remain compact while the hose can be extended when needed for reaching high surfaces or hard-to-access areas, effectively separating the storage volume from the operational volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible hose is designed to be dynamically extendable and retractable, allowing the device to transition between a compact state for storage and a extended state for cleaning various surfaces. The hose can be pulled out when versatility is needed and retracted when not in use, providing adaptive functionality.
2Adaptability or versatility
If accessories are provided for specific cleaning applications, then cleaning versatility is improved, but separate storage and retrieval becomes inconvenient and accessories may be forgotten
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the flexible hose with the main body of the vacuum cleaner through a integrated storage mechanism. The hose is permanently associated with the device and can be easily retrieved from its storage position on the main body, eliminating the need for separate storage of accessories and ensuring it is always available when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible hose is designed to be self-storing on the main body of the vacuum cleaner. When not in use, the hose automatically returns to its storage position on the main body, eliminating the need for manual placement in separate storage compartments and ensuring it is always readily accessible.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a flexible hose is provided for reaching high surfaces, then cleaning versatility is improved, but the hose may get in the user's way when not in use
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible hose is designed to nest within or along the main body of the vacuum cleaner when not in use. The hose can be wrapped around or stored within compartments on the main body, keeping it organized and out of the way while maintaining easy access when needed for cleaning operations.
Data Source
AI summary
A vacuum cleaner comprises a housing; a motor fan assembly mounted in the housing; a pivotable inlet nozzle in fluid communication with the motor fan assembly; and a dirt container coupled to the pivotable inlet nozzle and the housing. The pivotable inlet nozzle is pivotable a first operable position whereby the pivotable inlet nozzle is in fluid communication with a flexible hose mounted on the housing and a second operable position whereby the pivotable inlet nozzle projects from the housing and is remote from the flexible hose.