Sensor-Guided Suction Nozzle for Edge and Corner Cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vacuum cleaners face challenges in effectively cleaning edges and corners of surfaces due to limited suction power and brush functionality in these areas, leading to incomplete dirt removal.
Innovation Solution
A suction nozzle with a diverter assembly and side brushes that can be controlled by sensors to redirect airflow and brush rotation, allowing for targeted cleaning of edges and corners by selectively coupling suction inlets with the suction source and adjusting brush direction based on obstacle detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the vacuum cleaner uses standard suction and brush configuration, then the device structure remains simple, but the cleaning effectiveness at edges and corners is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The suction nozzle incorporates movable components including a rotatable side brush and a diverter assembly that can shift between positions. The side brush rotates about its axis to adapt to different surface geometries, while the diverter assembly moves to redirect airflow between the main suction inlet and edge suction inlet based on detected obstacles, enabling dynamic adaptation to edge and corner cleaning scenarios
Solution Approach 2:
The suction nozzle is divided into functionally independent segments: a main suction inlet for general cleaning, an edge suction inlet specifically for edges and corners, a rotatable side brush for edge surface agitation, and a diverter assembly to route airflow. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall system simplicity
2Productivity
If the vacuum cleaner activates side brush and diverter assembly continuously, then cleaning coverage is maximized, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The suction nozzle incorporates sensors that detect obstacles and provide feedback to the control system. Based on this feedback, the controller selectively activates the side brush and diverter assembly only when obstacles or edges are detected, rather than operating them continuously. This feedback mechanism ensures maximum cleaning coverage is achieved precisely when needed while minimizing energy consumption during normal straight-path cleaning
3Adaptability or versatility
If the vacuum cleaner uses a single suction inlet, then the device structure remains simple, but the adaptability to different cleaning zones is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The suction nozzle is designed with multiple suction inlets (main suction inlet and edge suction inlet) that can both connect to the same vacuum source through the diverter assembly. This multi-functional configuration allows the single vacuum source to serve multiple cleaning zones effectively - the main inlet handles open areas while the edge inlet targets edges and corners, providing versatility without requiring separate vacuum sources or complex independent systems
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
Enhances cleaning efficiency by ensuring thorough dirt removal from edges and corners by dynamically adjusting airflow and brush operation in response to detected obstacles, improving overall surface cleaning performance.
Implementation Method 1
a first sensor operably connected to the controller and adapted to send an output signal to the controller upon sensing an obstacle
Implementation Method 2
a suction source fluidly connected to an upstream aperture disposed near the one or more brushes to ingest the dirt into a working air path
Data Source
AI summary
A suction nozzle for a vacuum cleaner includes one or more sensor(s) to sense an obstacle near or proximate to the suction nozzle. A side brush can be rotated or a working air path can be diverted based on a signal from the sensor(s).