Stowable Vacuum Handle Structure for Easy Movement and Compact Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wet/dry vacuums are inconvenient to move due to the need to push or pull them by their top cover, which can lead to tipping and require bending, and they become larger and more difficult to store when equipped with handles, increasing storage needs and lifting difficulties.
Innovation Solution
A vacuum with a moveable handle that can be extended for convenient rolling and stowed to reduce the overall size, featuring a locking mechanism to secure the handle in both positions, allowing for efficient movement and compact storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a handle is added to the vacuum for convenient movement, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity and storage space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The handle is designed to be movable between extended and retracted positions through a telescoping mechanism with latch assemblies. This dynamic structure allows the handle to adapt between providing operational convenience when extended and minimizing storage space when retracted, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and device complexity.
2Ease of operation
If a handle is added to the vacuum for convenient movement, then ease of operation is improved, but storage space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The handle employs a telescoping structure where inner tubes are nested within outer tubes, similar to nested dolls. This nesting allows the handle to compact into a minimal volume when retracted while still providing full extension functionality when needed for operation, effectively resolving the contradiction between operational convenience and storage space requirements.
3Device complexity
If force is applied to the top cover for movement, then device complexity is minimized, but stability deteriorates causing tipping
Solution Approach 1:
The handle serves as an intermediary element between the user and the vacuum body. By providing a dedicated gripping interface that extends from the vacuum frame, it mediates the force application process, allowing users to apply directional force at an optimal location that maintains stability and prevents tipping, while the latch mechanism ensures the handle remains securely positioned during use.
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
The moveable handle enables easy and efficient directional force application without tipping, while the stowed position reduces storage space requirements, enhancing usability and portability.
Implementation Method 1
A fan is fluidly disposed between the inlet and the outlet and a motor is operable to rotationally drive the fan, wherein rotation of the fan creates a fluid flow from the inlet, through the interior space, and out the outlet
Data Source
AI summary
A vacuum having a container and a cover coupled to the container. The coupled cover and container define an interior space communicating with an inlet and an outlet. A fan is fluidly disposed between the inlet and the outlet and a motor is operable to rotationally drive the fan, wherein rotation of the fan creates a fluid flow from the inlet, through the interior space, and out the outlet. A frame supports the container and a handle coupled to the frame is moveable between a use position and a stowed position.