Suction nozzle for a hard surface cleaning device and hard surface cleaning device with a suction nozzle of this type
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing suction nozzles for portable hard surface cleaning devices are costly to produce and assemble, primarily due to the need for a separate latching element and additional air-guiding parts.
Innovation Solution
The suction nozzle integrates the latching element into the first housing half-shell as an elastically deformable spring tongue, eliminating the need for a separate latching element and air-guiding parts, and uses a combination of hard and elastomeric components to form a one-piece injection molded part with a spring tongue and latching projection for secure attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate latching element and air-guiding part are used, then reliable latching and suction channel formation are achieved, but manufacturing and assembly costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The latching element and air-guiding part are merged into the housing half-shells themselves. The first housing half-shell integrates the latching element as an elastically deformable wall section, while the housing half-shells directly form the suction channel between them, eliminating the need for separate air-guiding parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing half-shells serve multiple functions: they provide structural support, form the suction channel, and incorporate the latching mechanism. The first housing half-shell's elastically deformable wall section acts as both a structural component and a latching element, achieving multi-functionality.
2Reliability
If a separate latching element is used, then secure attachment is achieved, but assembly complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The latching element is merged into the first housing half-shell as an integrated elastically deformable wall section, eliminating the need for separate latching components and simplifying assembly operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastically deformable wall section automatically performs the latching function through its own deformation and recovery, without requiring additional latching mechanisms or complex assembly procedures. The spring tongue's elastic properties enable self-latching.
3Reliability
If an additional air-guiding part is used, then suction channel definition is improved, but component quantity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The suction channel is formed directly by the spatial arrangement of the housing half-shells themselves, eliminating the need for separate air-guiding parts. The housing structure serves dual purposes as both structural support and flow guidance.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing half-shells serve multiple functions including structural support, sealing, and suction channel formation. This multi-functionality reduces the total component quantity while maintaining reliable suction channel definition.
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
This design reduces manufacturing and assembly costs while ensuring secure attachment and preventing liquid and suction air leakage, enhancing the nozzle's cost-effectiveness and functionality.
Implementation Method 1
a spring tongue (138), which forms an elastically deformable wall section (139) of the suction channel (80)
Implementation Method 2
a vacuum source (14) can be connected to the suction channel end section (30) in order to form a suction flow
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A suction nozzle (32) is provided for a portable hard surface cleaning device (10) for removing and suctioning up fluid from a hard surface, in particular from a windowpane, comprising a suction nozzle housing (77) with a first and a second housing half-shell (76, 78), and with a suction opening (82) on which at least one flexible wiper lip (92, 94) is arranged and to which a suction channel (80) connects which extends up to a suction channel end section (30), wherein a vacuum source can be connected to the suction channel end section (30) for establishing a suction flow, and wherein an engaging element (136) is arranged on the suction channel end section (30). To further develop the suction nozzle (32) in such a way that it can be produced more cost-effectively, the first housing half-shell (76) has an elastically deformable wall section (139) which forms the engaging element (136).