Side Wheel Compartments for Compact Vacuum Cleaner Maintenance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surface cleaning apparatuses, such as vacuum cleaners, face challenges in compact design and accessibility for maintenance, as well as protection of internal components from impacts and dust.
Innovation Solution
A surface cleaning apparatus with rollingly supported side wheels that can be moved to access compartments housing operating components, such as filters and the cyclone bin assembly, providing a compact form factor and protection from side impacts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If side wheels are fixed in position, then the apparatus structure is simple and stable, but maintenance access to internal components is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The side wheel assembly is segmented into removable and fixed portions. The wheel can be detached from the sidewall to access compartments containing filters and other components, while the mounting structure remains integrated with the main body. This segmentation allows easy maintenance access without requiring complete disassembly of the apparatus.
2Ease of operation
If components are housed in accessible locations, then maintenance is easy, but the apparatus cannot achieve compact design
Solution Approach 1:
Compartments housing filters and other components are nested within the sidewall structure, with side wheels positioned to cover these compartments. When wheels are removed, nested compartments become accessible. This nesting arrangement maintains compact overall dimensions while enabling easy maintenance access to internal components.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If sidewalls are used to protect air treatment member, then protection from side impacts is improved, but space for component housing is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus utilizes the vertical dimension by positioning compartments within the sidewall thickness rather than only in horizontal spaces. This allows filters and components to be housed within the protected sidewall structure itself, maintaining impact protection while providing adequate component housing space.
Data Source
AI summary
A surface cleaning apparatus comprises an air flow path extending from a dirty air inlet to a clean air outlet and including an air treatment member and a suction motor. The surface cleaning apparatus comprises a main body comprising a front end and a rear end, and a plurality of wheels. A compartment may be positioned inwards of one of the wheels. The compartment may be accessible when the one of the wheels is moved to an open position.