Removable Vacuum Head Layout for Low-Profile Cleaning and Filtration
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Solution Overview
Problem
All-in-the-head surface cleaning apparatuses have not been widely accepted due to limitations in height, which restricts their ability to clean under furniture, and often have limited filtration capabilities.
Innovation Solution
An all-in-the-head surface cleaning apparatus with a removable portable cleaning unit that includes a suction motor and air treatment members, allowing for above-floor cleaning without the need to lift the entire surface cleaning head, and utilizing cyclonic air treatment technology for effective filtration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the surface cleaning head is made compact with all components integrated in the head, then the head becomes lighter and smaller improving maneuverability, but the height at the rear end limits the ability to clean under furniture
Solution Approach 1:
The surface cleaning apparatus is divided into two main segments: a compact surface cleaning head and a separable upper portion containing the suction motor and air treatment members. This segmentation allows the head to be lightweight and low-profile for maneuverability and cleaning under furniture, while the upper portion can be detached for above-floor cleaning operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus transitions from a static integrated design to a dynamic reconfigurable system. The upper portion can be moved between an attached position (for above-floor cleaning) and a detached position (for floor cleaning), allowing the system to adapt its configuration based on the cleaning task requirements.
2Device complexity
If a filter is used for air treatment, then the design is simpler, but the filtration ability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional filter-based air treatment system with a cyclone-based air treatment member. The cyclone uses centrifugal force generated by rotating airflow to separate particulate matter from air, providing superior filtration capability without the clogging and maintenance issues associated with filters.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the suction motor and air treatment members are placed in the surface cleaning head, then the head becomes heavier and taller, but this enables above-floor cleaning capability
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus is segmented into a lightweight surface cleaning head and a separable upper portion containing the motor and air treatment members. This allows the head to maintain excellent maneuverability for floor cleaning while the complete system provides above-floor cleaning capability when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The surface cleaning head is designed to be universally applicable for both floor cleaning and above-floor cleaning tasks. When the upper portion is attached, the system functions as a complete vacuum cleaner for above-floor cleaning; when detached, the head alone performs floor cleaning, eliminating the need for separate cleaning devices.
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 the surface cleaning apparatus to maintain effective air filtration and reduce weight, allowing for easier maneuverability and the ability to clean under furniture while providing a common suction motor and air treatment member for both floor and above-floor cleaning modes.
Implementation Method 1
the air treatment member comprises a cyclone air treatment member
Data Source
AI summary
An all in the head surface cleaning apparatus includes a surface cleaning head and an upper portion that is moveably mounted to the surface cleaning head between a storage position and a floor cleaning position. The upper portion comprises a drive handle. A portable cleaning unit comprising an air treatment member and a suction motor is removably mounted in the surface cleaning head.