Cleaning Roller Combing Unit for Hair Entanglement Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vacuum cleaners face challenges in effectively engaging suction with surfaces and removing debris from cleaning rollers, particularly hair, due to inadequate design of existing structures which can lead to reduced suction efficiency and potential motor damage.
Innovation Solution
A cleaning apparatus with a combing unit featuring spaced protrusions with angled leading edges that extend into the cleaning roller, facilitating debris removal while minimizing impact on the roller's operation, and a dual agitator system including a leading roller and brush roll to enhance debris capture and airflow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a leading roller is used to direct debris into the suction conduit opening, then debris capture is improved, but debris becomes entangled around the roller reducing cleaning effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The combing unit is designed to automatically remove entangled debris from the leading roller during its rotation, without requiring external intervention or stopping the roller operation. The combing protrusions self-clean the roller surface as it rotates, maintaining continuous debris capture effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The combing unit acts as an intermediary mechanism between the entangled debris on the roller and the removal process. Instead of directly removing debris from the rotating roller surface, the combing protrusions gently engage and peel away entangled material through their angled leading edges.
2Ease of operation
If projections are added to engage the roller for debris removal, then debris removal capability is improved, but the structure interferes with surface cleaning head operation
Solution Approach 1:
The combing protrusions are positioned to contact only specific portions of the leading roller surface where debris entanglement occurs. The combing unit extends only a substantial length of the cleaning surface rather than the entire roller, and protrusions are spaced to target localized debris accumulation areas, minimizing interference with overall head operation.
3Area of stationary object
If the suction conduit is spaced too far from the surface, then air flow area is increased, but suction force is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The angled leading edges of the combing protrusions are not aligned with the center of rotation of the leading roller, creating a dimensional offset that generates a peeling action. This angular arrangement transforms the radial rotation motion into a tangential force component that effectively removes debris while maintaining the roller's primary suction function.
Data Source
AI summary
A cleaning apparatus includes a combing unit including a series of spaced protrusions or teeth extending into a cleaning roller for preventing build up and removing debris (such as hair, string, and the like). The protrusions extend along a substantial portion of the cleaning roller and extend partially into the cleaning roller to intercept the debris as it passes around the roller. The protrusions have angled leading edges that are not aligned with a rotation center of the cleaning roller and are directed into or against a direction of rotation of the cleaning roller. The combing unit and protrusions have a shape and configuration designed to facilitate debris removal from the cleaning roller with minimal impact on the operation of the cleaning apparatus. The cleaning apparatus may include a surface cleaning head of an upright vacuum cleaner or sweeper or a robotic vacuum cleaner.