Suction nozzle with a cleaning device for a lateral cleaning element
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing suction nozzles for vacuum cleaners face challenges in efficiently and thoroughly cleaning actively driven lateral cleaning elements, such as brushes and discs, which become dirty during operation and can impair cleaning performance.
Innovation Solution
A suction nozzle design featuring a pivotable cleaning unit with a cleaning device that allows for automatic or manual transition between operating and cleaning positions, utilizing mechanical and airflow-based cleaning mechanisms to clean lateral elements without affecting suction power.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a lateral cleaning element is added to the suction nozzle, then cleaning capability on secondary surfaces is improved, but the cleaning element becomes dirty during operation and requires additional cleaning mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the cleaning function and suction function into a single integrated system. The cleaning element is positioned within the suction nozzle housing, and the suction airflow automatically cleans the cleaning element during operation. This merging eliminates the need for separate cleaning mechanisms while maintaining both cleaning and suction capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The suction nozzle is designed to clean its own cleaning element using the suction airflow generated during normal operation. The airflow passes over the cleaning element, automatically removing accumulated dirt without requiring external cleaning devices or manual intervention, thus making the system self-maintaining.
2Reliability
If a cleaning device is integrated into the suction nozzle, then cleaning of lateral elements is achieved, but device complexity and structural space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The suction nozzle is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it provides suction for contaminants, houses and drives the lateral cleaning element, and uses its own suction airflow to clean the cleaning element. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses pneumatic principles by utilizing the suction airflow (a gas flow) to clean the cleaning element. The airflow is directed to pass over the cleaning element surface, using aerodynamic forces to remove dirt, thereby avoiding mechanical cleaning components.
3Ease of operation
If the cleaning unit is made pivotable for cleaning access, then cleaning reach is improved, but device complexity and potential loss of suction power increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning unit is designed to be pivotable or movable relative to the suction nozzle housing, allowing dynamic adjustment of the cleaning element position. This enables the cleaning element to reach secondary surfaces at different angles and positions while maintaining proper airflow paths to prevent suction power loss.
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
Ensures efficient and reliable cleaning of lateral cleaning elements, maintaining suction performance and reducing the need for manual cleaning, thereby enhancing overall cleaning efficiency and convenience.
Implementation Method 1
The fan is designed to generate a suction airflow to draw contaminants through the suction nozzle of the suction unit into the collection container
Implementation Method 2
utilizing mechanical and airflow-based cleaning mechanisms to clean lateral elements
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a
Figure 2b
AI summary
A suction nozzle (130) for a suction device (100) is described. The suction nozzle (130) comprises a base unit (201) and a cleaning unit (202), wherein the cleaning unit (202) is pivotably mounted on the base unit (201) via a pivot axis (203) so that the cleaning unit (202) can be pivoted from an operating position to a cleaning position. The cleaning unit (202) has a suction opening (136) which is designed to be guided over a suction surface. Furthermore, the cleaning unit (202) has at least one lateral cleaning element (205) which is designed to act on an adjacent surface arranged perpendicular to the suction surface when the suction opening (136) is guided over the suction surface while the cleaning unit (202) is in the operating position.The base unit (201) has a cleaning device (210) which is configured to clean the cleaning element (205) when the cleaning unit (202) is in the cleaning position.