Surface cleaning apparatus with a variable inlet flow area
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional surface cleaning apparatuses face a trade-off between airflow performance and lifting power, with cordless models limited by onboard energy storage, requiring a balance between velocity and run time, especially when switching between floor and above-floor cleaning modes.
Innovation Solution
A reconfigurable surface cleaning apparatus with a floor cleaning unit and a portable vacuum that adjusts airflow path cross-sectional areas, allowing greater velocity in floor cleaning mode for lifting power and higher airflow in above-floor mode for longer run times, by using different sized inlet flow paths and adjustable air flow conduits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If the air flow path cross-sectional area is reduced to increase air flow velocity for lifting power, then lifting power is improved, but run time is reduced due to higher energy consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The air flow path includes an adjustable section that can change its cross-sectional area dynamically. This allows the system to optimize between velocity (for lifting power) and flow rate (for run time) by adjusting the inlet flow area based on cleaning mode requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameter of the air flow path cross-sectional area to control air flow velocity. By adjusting this parameter, the system achieves different operating conditions: smaller area for high velocity/lifting power, and larger area for high flow rate/run time
2Duration of action of moving object
If the air flow path cross-sectional area is increased to extend run time, then run time is improved, but lifting power is reduced due to lower air flow velocity
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable inlet flow area allows the system to switch between configurations: larger area for extended run time during above-floor cleaning, and smaller area for maximum lifting power during floor cleaning operations
3Length of moving object
If the apparatus is designed for floor cleaning with extended reach, then floor cleaning capability is improved, but adaptability for above-floor cleaning is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The vacuum apparatus is designed with a portable vacuum unit that can function independently for above-floor cleaning, while also being connectable to the floor cleaning unit for floor cleaning operations. The adjustable air flow path enables the system to adapt to different cleaning modes
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus is divided into separate functional units: a floor cleaning unit with surface cleaning head and a portable vacuum unit. This segmentation allows each unit to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall system versatility
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 solution provides enhanced lifting power in floor cleaning and improved airflow performance in above-floor cleaning while extending run time on a single energy charge by optimizing airflow velocity and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a suction motor, and an air flow path extending from a dirty air inlet to an air outlet, the air flow path including an upstream portion extending from the dirty air inlet to an air treatment member
Data Source
AI summary
A reconfigurable surface cleaning apparatus includes a floor cleaning unit comprising a surface cleaning head, and a hand vacuum cleaner. The reconfigurable surface cleaning apparatus is operable in a floor cleaning mode in which the hand vacuum cleaner is mounted to a rigid wand of the floor cleaning unit and operated using an energy storage member of the hand vacuum cleaner, and also operable in an above floor cleaning mode in which the hand vacuum cleaner is disconnected from air flow with the floor cleaning unit and operated using the energy storage member. A cross-sectional area through the rigid wand is less than a cross-sectional area through an upstream portion of an airflow path of the hand vacuum cleaner. A velocity of air travelling through the wand in the floor cleaning mode is greater than a velocity of air flow through the upstream portion in the above floor cleaning mode.