Surface Cleaner Lock Assembly for One-Handed Secure Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing domestic appliances face challenges in securely connecting components with limited dexterity, as traditional connectors require manual insertion of detent members through openings, which can be cumbersome for users with dexterity issues.
Innovation Solution
A slidable lock mechanism is integrated onto the exterior surface of a receiving part, allowing for perpendicular movement to secure and release components, enabling one-handed operation and eliminating the need for manual insertion of detent members, with a movable annular lock that interacts with detent members on both parts to lock or unlock the connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional spring loaded detent connector is used, then the connection is secure, but the operation becomes difficult for users with limited dexterity
Solution Approach 1:
The detent member is extracted from the receiving portion and relocated to the insertion portion. This allows the detent to be actuated by simple linear movement of the insertion portion itself, rather than requiring manual manipulation of a separate detent mechanism through an opening. The detent member is now part of the moving insertion portion, making it accessible to users with limited dexterity.
Solution Approach 2:
The traditional design has the detent in the receiving portion being actuated through an opening. This invention inverts the arrangement by placing the detent member on the insertion portion, which then moves linearly to engage or disengage from the receiving portion. This inversion transforms a complex manual manipulation task into a simple push-pull motion.
2Reliability
If the lock mechanism requires manual insertion of detent members through openings, then the connection can be secured, but the operation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The detent member is pre-positioned on the insertion portion in a ready state. When the insertion portion is moved linearly, the detent member automatically engages with the receiving portion without requiring separate manual insertion actions. This preliminary positioning of the detent eliminates the time-consuming step of manually inserting detents through openings.
Solution Approach 2:
By extracting the detent member from the receiving portion and placing it on the insertion portion, the design eliminates the need for opening holes and manual insertion operations. The detent is now integrated into the moving component, allowing for faster one-handed operation while maintaining secure connection.
3Ease of operation
If a slidable lock mechanism is used, then the ease of operation improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lock mechanism is merged with the insertion portion itself. The detent member is integrated into the insertion portion, and the linear sliding motion of the insertion portion simultaneously performs both the locking and unlocking functions. This merging eliminates the need for separate lock components and complex actuation mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The insertion portion serves multiple functions: it provides the fluid passage, enables the locking mechanism through its linear motion, and acts as the actuator for the detent member. This multi-functionality reduces the overall number of components and simplifies the device structure while maintaining ease of operation.
Data Source
AI summary
An appliance or domestic apparatus such as a surface cleaning apparatus comprises a first part and a second part. The second part comprises an insertion portion slidably insertable into the first part to define an inserted position. The insertion portion comprises a longitudinal axis and a first detent member. A movable lock is slidably mounted on at least one of the first part and the second part, and is slidable at an angle to a longitudinal axis of the insertion portion. The movable lock has a second detent member. When the insertion portion is in the inserted position, the first detent member is positioned inwardly of the second detent member, and the second detent member is selectively positionable to interact with the first detent member to lock the first part to the second part.