Pivoting Brush Head for Sweep-to-Suction Cleaning Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cleaning devices, such as vacuum cleaners and electric dustpans, are not economical, practical, or easy to operate for effectively sweeping and suctioning debris from surfaces, as they lack a mechanism that seamlessly transitions between sweeping and suction modes.
Innovation Solution
A cleaning device with a handle, activation mechanism, hollow member, and electrically powered motor that allows the bristle support member to pivot between sweeping and suction positions, enabling efficient debris collection by moving between retracted and extended positions to access a suction opening.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a cleaning device combines sweeping and suction functions, then cleaning versatility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning device integrates both sweeping and suction functions into a single device. The base portion includes a hollow member with a suction opening and an electrically powered motor for suction, while also accommodating a bristle support member with bristles for sweeping. The activation mechanism allows the device to switch between sweeping mode (bristles in contact with surface) and suction mode (hollow member lowered to open suction opening), enabling one device to perform multiple cleaning tasks.
Solution Approach 2:
The device employs movable and pivotable components to dynamically switch between functions. The bristle support member is pivotably coupled to the hollow member, allowing it to rotate between a first position (sweeping) and a second position (suction). The hollow member itself is moveable relative to the frame member, transitioning between retracted and extended positions. This dynamic design enables the device to adapt its configuration based on the required cleaning mode.
2Ease of operation
If the hollow member is moveable relative to the frame member, then access to suction opening is improved, but mechanical complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The activation mechanism combines multiple functions into a single control system. A single activation mechanism simultaneously controls both the movement of the hollow member relative to the frame member and the rotation of the bristle support member. This integrated control reduces the number of separate mechanical systems needed and simplifies the overall device complexity while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical design allows the movement of one component to automatically trigger or facilitate the movement of another. When the activation mechanism moves the hollow member to an extended position, the bristle support member is automatically caused to rotate to the suction position. This self-service mechanism reduces the need for additional independent control systems.
3Ease of operation
If the bristle support member is pivotably coupled to the hollow member, then transition between sweeping and suction modes is improved, but structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bristle support member is pivotably coupled to the hollow member, creating a dynamic joint that allows easy rotation between sweeping and suction positions. This pivotable connection enables the bristle support member to be positioned at different angles relative to the hollow member, facilitating smooth transition between functions while maintaining structural integrity through a simple hinge-like connection.
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 provides a user-friendly, economical, and practical solution for sweeping and suctioning debris by allowing easy transition between modes, enhancing cleaning efficiency and usability.
Implementation Method 1
An electrically powered motor may be configured to produce suction at the suction opening
Data Source
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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.