Suction Nozzle Pivoting Design for Vertical Hard Surface Cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing portable, mains-independent hard-surface suction devices, such as window vacuums, face challenges in efficiently cleaning vertical surfaces from floor to ceiling without leaving streaks, as they require horizontal movement near the floor to maintain effective suction.
Innovation Solution
The suction nozzle and hard surface suction device are designed with a sleeve-shaped suction channel section that defines a longitudinal axis, allowing for pivoting about a transverse axis relative to the suction opening, enabling vertical movement and efficient cleaning of surfaces from top to bottom while maintaining effective suction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the suction opening is held vertically aligned during cleaning, then the device can clean horizontal surfaces effectively, but it cannot efficiently clean vertical surfaces from floor to ceiling
Solution Approach 1:
The suction nozzle is designed with a pivotable coupling that allows dynamic adjustment of the suction opening orientation. The coupling device enables the suction nozzle to pivot relative to the device housing, transforming the system from a fixed-orientation design to a dynamic one that can adapt to both horizontal and vertical cleaning tasks
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces an additional degree of freedom by enabling pivoting motion about a transverse axis. This allows the suction opening to change its orientation from horizontal to vertical, adding dimensional flexibility to the cleaning device and enabling it to operate effectively on surfaces of different orientations
2Adaptability or versatility
If the suction nozzle is rigidly connected to the device housing, then the structure is simple and stable, but the suction opening cannot be oriented vertically for floor-to-ceiling cleaning
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device transforms the rigid connection into a dynamic, pivotable connection. This allows the suction nozzle to rotate relative to the housing while maintaining a secure connection, providing orientation adjustment capability without requiring complex mechanical structures
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling device serves multiple functions: it connects the suction nozzle to the housing, allows pivoting motion for orientation adjustment, and maintains suction flow continuity. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components and keeps the overall device complexity manageable
3Reliability
If the suction channel is rigid and fixed in position, then the suction flow path is stable and simple, but the device cannot maintain effective suction during vertical cleaning operations
Solution Approach 1:
The suction channel is designed with flexible sections that allow it to bend and flex as the suction nozzle pivots. This dynamic design maintains stable suction flow continuity while accommodating the orientation changes needed for vertical cleaning operations
Solution Approach 2:
The suction channel incorporates flexible hose or tube sections that can bend and deform without breaking the suction seal. This flexibility allows the channel to adapt to the pivoting motion of the suction nozzle while maintaining reliable suction flow stability
Data Source
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AI summary
The aim of the invention is to provide a suction nozzle, in particular for a portable hard-surface suction apparatus comprising a suction device, the suction nozzle having a suction opening connected to a suction channel, wherein the end of the suction channel facing away from the suction opening can be or is connected to the suction device, wherein, additionally, a first coupling unit is arranged or formed at the suction nozzle for the pivoted coupling with a second coupling device arranged on or formed at the hard-surface suction apparatus in order to improve at least a rotational or pivot axis such that, in particular, the manipulation thereof is improved in the ground-deep cleaning of vertical hard surfaces. In order to achieve said aim, it is proposed that the at least one rotational or pivot axis extends transversely to the suction opening. The invention further relates to an improved hard-surface suction apparatus.