Pivoting Bristle Cleaning Head for Sweep-to-Suction Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cleaning devices for floor surfaces, such as vacuum cleaners and electric dustpans, are not economical, practical, or easy to operate, lacking an efficient mechanism for both sweeping and suction functions in a single device.
Innovation Solution
A cleaning device with a handle, activation mechanism, hollow member, and electrically powered motor that allows for both sweeping and suction functions by pivoting a bristle support member between positions, enabling debris to be swept and then drawn into an interior compartment using suction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single cleaning device is used for both sweeping and suction, then device versatility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines sweeping and suction functions into a single integrated cleaning device. The base member houses both the motor for suction and the bristle support member for sweeping, allowing both functions to be performed by one device rather than requiring separate broom and vacuum cleaner
Solution Approach 2:
The bristle support member is made pivotable relative to the hollow member, allowing it to move between a closed position (adjacent to suction opening) for sweeping and an open position for suction. This dynamic configuration enables the device to switch between functions without requiring complete structural redesign
2Productivity
If bristle support member is positioned to perform sweeping function, then sweeping effectiveness is improved, but access to suction opening is blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The bristle support member is designed to pivot between two positions: a closed position where bristles are positioned to perform sweeping function, and an open position where the bristle support member moves away to provide access to the suction opening. This dynamic positioning resolves the conflict between sweeping effectiveness and suction access
3Volume of moving object
If hollow member is in retracted position, then device compactness is improved, but suction capability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The hollow member is made moveable relative to the frame member, allowing it to transition between a retracted position (for compactness) and an extended position (for optimal suction capability). This dynamic adjustment enables the device to optimize its volume based on operational requirements
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The device effectively combines sweeping and suction functions in a single, user-friendly and economical solution, improving the efficiency of cleaning tasks by allowing seamless transition between modes.
Implementation Method 1
An electrically powered motor may be configured to produce suction to remove debris from the surface and draw the debris into an interior compartment of the hollow member.
Data Source
AI summary
A cleaning device is provided. The cleaning device may include a handle, an activation mechanism moveable between a first position and a second position by a user of the device, a hollow member having a suction opening at an end of the hollow member, an electrically powered motor configured to produce suction at the suction opening, and a bristle support member pivotable relative to the hollow member. The bristle support member may include a plurality of bristles attached thereto. The bristle support member may be operatively coupled to the activation mechanism. When the activation mechanism is in the first position, the bristle support member may be in a closed position adjacent to the suction opening of the hollow member and the plurality of bristles may be positioned to perform a sweeping function. When the activation mechanism is moved to the second position, the bristle support member may be pivoted away from the suction opening of the hollow member to an open position to provide access to the suction opening.