Roller brush device and surface cleaning apparatus

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional roller brushes in surface cleaning apparatuses are difficult to remove due to high static friction forces and complex coupling mechanisms, making maintenance labor-intensive.

Innovation Solution

A roller brush device with a release device that includes a knob and an assisting device, where the knob is used to release the locking mechanism between the roller brush and the base, and the assisting device, comprising a push rod, provides a force to counteract static friction, facilitating easy removal of the roller brush.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a conventional roller brush is detachably mounted on the base, then the roller brush can be removed for maintenance, but the removal process is difficult due to high static friction forces and complex coupling mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of removalVSAvoidcoupling mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The roller brush assembly is segmented into detachable components that can be separated from the base through a simplified locking mechanism. The locking mechanism itself is segmented into discrete elements (locking arms, slots, springs) that work independently to achieve secure attachment and easy release.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The locking mechanism transitions from a static complex coupling to a dynamic system with movable locking arms that can engage and disengage. The spring-loaded arms provide automatic engagement when the roller brush is inserted and can be easily released by applying force in a specific direction, making the system adaptive to user actions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If a locking mechanism is used to secure the roller brush to the base, then the roller brush remains stable during operation, but the removal requires significant user effort due to static friction

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestability during operationVSAvoiduser effort for removal
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The locking arms act as intermediaries between the roller brush assembly and the base. These arms engage with slots on the roller brush shaft, providing secure mechanical connection during operation. For release, the user applies force to the protruding portions of the locking arms, which mediate the force application and enable easy disengagement without directly overcoming static friction of the entire assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The locking mechanism operates in periodic cycles of engagement and disengagement. During normal operation, the locking arms maintain a stable engaged state. For removal, a periodic action (pushing the release portions) transitions the system from engaged to disengaged state, allowing the roller brush to be removed without continuous force application.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

3Reliability

If the roller brush is designed with a complex coupling mechanism for secure attachment, then the connection is reliable, but the maintenance process becomes labor-intensive

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidmaintenance time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The locking arms are pre-positioned and spring-loaded to automatically engage with the roller brush slots when the assembly is inserted. This preliminary action of automatic engagement ensures reliable connection without requiring complex manual alignment or multiple fastening steps, thereby reducing maintenance time while maintaining connection reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 allows for convenient and labor-saving removal of the roller brush, reducing user effort and improving maintenance efficiency by effectively addressing the static friction issues.

Implementation Method 1

the push rod is configured to be driven to move along the axis of the roller brush away from the knob during rotation of the knob to abut against the base

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP4418971B1Roller brush device and surface cleaning apparatus
Publication Date: 2025.02.19 VERSUNI HLDG BV
  • EP4418971B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4418971B1 patent drawingFigure 2~4
  • EP4418971B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a roller brush device of a surface cleaning apparatus. The roller brush device (100) comprises: a base (120); a roller brush assembly (110) detachably mounted to the base (120) and comprising a roller brush shaft (112) that is configured to rotate about an axis of the roller brush; and a release device (130) comprising a release operation member mounted on the roller brush assembly (110) and configured to be actuated to release the locking between the base (120) and the roller brush assembly (110), and provide an assisting force for removing the roller brush assembly (110) duration the actuation. In this way, the user may conveniently remove roller brush assembly with a very small force.