Rotatable dual-purpose axial-flow blower/vacuum
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dual-purpose blowers/vacuums with centrifugal fans require a change in handle orientation for switching between dust collection and air blowing modes, limiting ergonomic convenience and necessitating complex control circuits.
Innovation Solution
A rotatable dual-purpose axial-flow blower/vacuum design that allows the main machine housing to be rotated, maintaining a consistent handle orientation and simplifying the control circuit by not requiring fan blade direction changes, utilizing a rotation structure with a locking mechanism to switch between modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a centrifugal fan is used in dual-purpose blower/vacuum, then the device can achieve both dust collection and air blowing functions, but the handle orientation must be changed for mode switching which reduces ergonomic convenience
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into functionally independent components: the fan assembly remains fixed while the handle and mode-switching mechanism are separated. This allows the fan to maintain a constant rotational direction while the handle orientation changes independently, preserving ergonomic grip positions for both dust collection and air blowing modes without requiring fan reconfiguration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a dynamic mode-switching mechanism that allows the device to transition between dust collection and air blowing modes through a simple handle operation or button press, rather than requiring physical reorientation of the entire device. This dynamic switching maintains ergonomic handle positions while achieving functional versatility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the fan blade direction is changed to switch between modes, then the dual-purpose function is achieved, but the control circuit becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the mode-switching function from the fan control system and implements it through a separate, simplified mechanism. Instead of controlling fan blade rotation direction through a complex circuit, the mode switching is achieved through a dedicated switch or button that redirects airflow path or activates different motor winding configurations with minimal circuit complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Rather than changing the fan blade direction to achieve mode switching, the patent inverts the approach by maintaining constant fan rotation and achieving mode differentiation through alternative means such as airflow path redirection, inlet/outlet configuration changes, or electronic control of motor polarity in a simplified manner.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the main machine housing is rotated to switch modes, then the airflow direction consistency is maintained, but the structure requires a rotation mechanism with locking structure
Solution Approach 1:
The rotation mechanism is segmented into modular components: a rotation joint allowing angular movement of the main housing, and a separate locking mechanism with locking balls or detents that engage with corresponding slots or notches. This segmentation allows independent optimization of rotation smoothness and locking reliability, reducing overall structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotation locking structure is designed to be self-actuating through spring-loaded locking balls that automatically engage with locking notches when the housing reaches predetermined angular positions. The spring force provides both the locking action and the mechanism to release locks when a button or actuator is pressed, eliminating the need for complex motorized or manually-operated locking systems.
Data Source
AI summary
A rotatable dual-purpose axial-flow blower/vacuum is provided, including a main machine housing and an airflow driving device provided in the main machine housing, an air suction transition joint being provided on one end of the main machine housing, and an air blowing portion being provided on the other end, and further including a handle connected to the main machine housing, a switch for controlling start or stop of blowing/suction being provided on the handle. When a rotation locking structure is pressed, the main machine housing can be rotated to enable the air suction transition joint to face forwards, and the axial-flow blower/vacuum is configured to be in a dust collection mode; and the main machine housing is rotated to enable the air blowing portion to face forwards, and the axial-flow blower/vacuum is configured to be in an air blowing mode.