Stick Vacuum Support Body Grip for Stable Leaning Placement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Vacuum cleaners with a detachable nozzle and wheels are difficult to temporarily set aside without slipping or tipping, making them hard to manage during breaks or when needing to free hands, potentially causing damage or knocking over objects.

Innovation Solution

A stick-formed vacuum cleaner with a friction-increasing and slip-reducing layer on the upper portion of the support body, allowing it to be leaned against objects without sliding or tipping, featuring an elongated strip with a surface structure like shark fins or saw teeth and a part-spherical bump for enhanced grip.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the nozzle device is provided with wheels to facilitate movement, then ease of operation is improved, but stability when set aside deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of movementVSAvoidstability when set aside
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The support body is divided into functional segments: the upper portion maintains smooth surfaces for gripping and maneuvering, while the lower portion incorporates a friction-increasing layer specifically for stable placement. This segmentation allows different parts of the same object to have contrasting surface properties optimized for their specific functions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The friction-increasing layer is applied locally to the lower portion of the support body rather than the entire surface. This local modification provides enhanced grip and stability when the vacuum cleaner is leaned against surfaces, while leaving the upper portions smooth for easy gripping and movement during operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Stability of the object's composition

If the support body is made heavier to improve stability, then stability when set aside is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestability when set asideVSAvoidease of movement
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of changing the weight parameter of the entire support body, the invention changes the surface friction parameter locally at the lower portion. The friction-increasing layer modifies the interaction between the vacuum cleaner and supporting surfaces, providing stability without altering the overall mass or requiring additional weight.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Stability of the object's composition

If a stand is provided for storing and charging, then stability when not in use is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestability when not in useVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The vacuum cleaner's own lower portion is modified with a friction-increasing layer, allowing it to serve its own stability needs. This self-service approach eliminates the requirement for external stands or supporting structures, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining stability when the device is not in use.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The lower portion of the support body serves multiple functions: it provides structural support during operation, enables stable placement when set aside, and facilitates leaning against surfaces. By integrating these functions into the existing structure rather than adding separate components, the invention avoids increasing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

Enables safe and easy temporary placement of the vacuum cleaner against surfaces without falling, reducing the need for bending and minimizing the risk of damage or accidents, while maintaining ease of movement.

Implementation Method 1

at least one friction increasing and slip reducing layer (7) is provided on at least an upper portion of a rear side of the stick formed support body (1)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP2012638B1A vacuum cleaner
Publication Date: 2013.06.19 AB ELECTROLUX
  • EP2012638B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2012638B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2012638B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The invention relates to a vacuum cleaner of a type comprising an elongated support body (1) including a handle (3) in an upper end of the support body, a nozzle device attached to a lower end of the support body by means of a rotatable joint, and a vacuum unit, including an electric motor, a fan and a debris collecting compartment, being accommodated in the support body. An upper portion of the support body (1) is provided with a layer (7, 8) of a slip reducing material at least on a rear surface thereof.