Removable Vacuum Tank Inlet Assembly for Compact Vehicle Cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vacuum systems for vehicles face challenges in compact design, power supply, and efficient debris removal within tight vehicle spaces, particularly in automobiles designed for active families or rugged use, where dirt and debris accumulation is prevalent.
Innovation Solution
An integrated vacuum system with a switched reluctance motor, compact motor/fan assembly, and a removable tank, powered by the vehicle's electrical system, featuring a control circuit with an optical sensor for rotor position detection and a voltage regulator to ensure efficient operation and easy debris collection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the vacuum system components are arranged to fit within tight vehicle spaces, then the system achieves compact design, but the ease of removing collected debris deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The vacuum system is divided into separate modular components: a removable tank for collecting debris, a motor/fan assembly, and ducting. The tank can be detached from the motor assembly, allowing users to easily remove and empty the tank without handling the entire vacuum system. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by enabling compact installation while maintaining easy debris removal through the separable tank design.
2Ease of operation
If the tank is made removable for easy debris removal, then the ease of operation improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a simple segmentation approach where the tank is designed as a separate removable component with basic connection and disconnection mechanisms. This keeps the complexity low while achieving easy debris removal. The connection interface between tank and motor assembly is straightforward, requiring minimal components or steps to attach or detach.
Solution Approach 2:
The tank is extracted as a standalone removable component from the vacuum system. This allows the debris collection function to be separated from the motor assembly, enabling easy removal and emptying of the tank without affecting the main vacuum mechanism. The extraction principle simplifies the overall system architecture while improving operational ease.
3Ease of operation
If the inlet is positioned on the removable tank, then the ease of operation improves, but the reliability of the seal deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
A seal or gasket acts as an intermediary element between the removable tank and the motor assembly at the inlet connection point. This seal ensures a reliable airtight connection while allowing the tank to be easily attached and detached. The intermediary seal resolves the contradiction by maintaining connection reliability without compromising the removability and ease of installation.
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 system provides a compact, efficient, and user-friendly vacuum solution for vehicle cleaning, ensuring effective debris removal and operation within the constraints of vehicle space and power supply, while maintaining high suction power and ease of maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
a control circuit with an optical sensor for rotor position detection
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosed vacuum assembly can be mounted in a vehicle. The motor/fan assembly is positioned above a chassis wall. Lateral flanges on opposed sides of the tank support the tank in generally horizontal sliding motion from a forward position to an elevated rearward position. A rear flange supports the tank as it pivots to a mounted position in which an inlet on a removable lid on the tank communicates with a hose, and an outlet on the lid communicates with the motor/fan assembly. In a removed position, the inlet and outlet are disconnected. Alignment bosses fit in aligned openings when the tank is in the mounted position.