Pivoting Vacuum Chamber Panels for Automatic Edge Cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vacuum sweeper systems fail to effectively clean the edges of floors in a safe, convenient, and economical manner, as they do not reconfigure to accommodate edge vacuuming without requiring manual adjustments and attachments.
Innovation Solution
The edge cleaning vacuum sweeper system reconfigures by pivoting panels and extending suction elements when contacting edges, using a lower section with pivot pins and elastomeric bumpers, and a handle for easy operation, allowing for increased suction area without stopping the vacuum process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional vacuum sweeper systems are used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the device cannot effectively clean floor edges without manual adjustments and attachments
Solution Approach 1:
The vacuum sweeper system employs dynamically adjustable panels that can pivot between a first position for general floor cleaning and a second position for edge cleaning. The panels are coupled to the handle assembly through pivot pins, allowing them to rotate and extend the suction opening toward the wall edge automatically when the user approaches an edge, eliminating the need for manual attachment changes while maintaining operational simplicity.
2Area of moving object
If the vacuum chamber size is increased for edge cleaning, then the suction area is improved, but the device becomes less maneuverable and harder to operate
Solution Approach 1:
The panels are designed to pivot dynamically between a retracted first position during normal floor cleaning and an extended second position for edge cleaning. This dynamic configuration allows the suction area to increase only when needed at edges, while maintaining a compact profile during general cleaning operations, thus preserving maneuverability and ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The vacuum sweeper is divided into a main body and adjustable panel segments that can be independently positioned. The panels are segmented from the handle assembly and can be rotated to different positions, allowing the suction area to be expanded for edge cleaning without permanently increasing the overall device size, thereby maintaining ease of operation.
3Ease of operation
If manual attachments and adjustments are required for edge cleaning, then the base device structure remains simple, but the operation becomes inconvenient and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-adjustment through the pivoting panels that automatically extend toward the wall edge as the user approaches, eliminating the need for manual attachment changes. The panels self-position to increase the suction area at edges, providing convenient edge cleaning without requiring the user to stop, detach components, or make manual adjustments, thus saving time and improving ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The panels are pre-configured to pivot automatically when the user approaches an edge, preparing the suction opening for edge cleaning before the user actually reaches the edge. This preliminary action eliminates the need for last-minute manual adjustments or attachment changes, making the edge cleaning process more convenient and time-efficient.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the panels are made rigid for structural stability, then the device is more durable, but the panels cannot pivot to increase suction area for edge cleaning
Solution Approach 1:
The panels are designed with a hybrid structure that combines rigidity for durability with pivot joints for adjustability. The panels are rigid enough to maintain structural integrity and withstand cleaning forces, yet they are coupled to the handle assembly through pivot pins that allow them to rotate between positions. This dynamic design enables the panels to pivot for edge cleaning while maintaining sufficient strength and stability during operation.
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
Enables efficient and intuitive edge cleaning by automatically increasing the suction area when the vacuum cleaner touches a wall, improving usability and sales by addressing a critical cleaning gap in traditional vacuum cleaners, enhancing edge cleaning effectiveness and market competitiveness.
Implementation Method 1
A bumper extends outwardly from each vertical leg and is adapted to move into operative proximity with an edge of a floor and thereby pivot a panel
Data Source
AI summary
A lower section has an open bottom, a closed top, and intermediate front and side panels defining a vacuum chamber there within. Each panel has a lower generally vertical leg with a horizontally disposed pivot pin couples each panel to the top. A bumper extending outwardly from each vertical leg moves into operative proximity with an edge of a floor and pivots a panel to increase the size of the vacuum chamber for overlying and vacuuming dust adjacent to the edge of the floor.