Surface cleaning apparatus with removable air treatment member assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
In surface cleaning apparatus, particularly hand vacuum cleaners, the length and direction changes in the air flow path increase back pressure and reduce air flow velocity at the dirty air inlet, affecting cleaning efficiency, and existing designs often lack stability and ease of maintenance for the air treatment member assembly.
Innovation Solution
A removable air treatment member assembly is positioned between the nozzle portion and the suction motor, with the air treatment member assembly seating on the main body or handle assembly for stability and ease of insertion, and features like a pistol grip handle and retractable inlets/outlets are incorporated to enhance maneuverability and reduce wear on materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the air flow path is lengthened or redirected through the air treatment member assembly, then air treatment function is improved, but back pressure increases and air flow velocity at the dirty air inlet decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The air treatment function is segmented into a separate removable air treatment member assembly that can be independently positioned in the air flow path. This allows the air treatment components (filters, cyclones, etc.) to be separated from the main body, enabling optimization of the air flow path geometry without compromising treatment function.
Solution Approach 2:
The air treatment member assembly is positioned in a spatial arrangement that minimizes the number of directional changes in air flow. By extending the assembly upstream toward the dirty air inlet and aligning it with the air flow direction, the patent reduces unnecessary bends and redirects in the air path, thereby maintaining higher air flow velocity while still providing adequate treatment.
2Ease of repair
If the air treatment member assembly is made removable for maintenance, then ease of maintenance is improved, but stability and movement control deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The air treatment member assembly is designed with dynamic positioning capabilities - it can be easily inserted and removed when maintenance is needed, yet when installed, it is secured in a stable position through engagement features such as slots, latches, or friction fits. This dynamic design allows the assembly to transition between mobile (for maintenance) and fixed (for operation) states.
Solution Approach 2:
Intermediary engagement features serve as mediators between the removable air treatment member assembly and the vacuum cleaner body. These features (such as guide slots, snap-fit latches, or bayonet mounts) enable easy insertion and removal while ensuring stable positioning during operation, resolving the contradiction between removability and stability.
3Length of stationary object
If the air treatment member assembly is positioned upstream closer to the dirty air inlet, then air flow path length is reduced, but the assembly may interfere with nozzle portion positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The air treatment member assembly is designed to nest within or alongside the nozzle portion structure. By positioning the assembly upstream and allowing it to occupy the same longitudinal space as the nozzle, the patent reduces the overall air flow path length without requiring separate housing spaces, thereby simplifying the positioning arrangement.
Solution Approach 2:
The nozzle portion and air treatment member assembly are designed with multi-functional integration. The nozzle portion serves both as the cleaning tool and as a structural support for the upstream-positioned air treatment assembly. This universal design allows the same structural elements to fulfill multiple functions, reducing positioning complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A hand vacuum cleaner has a body portion housing a suction motor. An air treatment member assembly comprises an air treatment member assembly body, a rear door and an air treatment member. The air treatment member has a front end, a rear end, an air inlet and an air outlet provided at the rear end of the air treatment member. The air treatment member assembly is moveable to an emptying position. The rear door is moveable between a closed position and an open position, and the rear door houses a pre-motor filter that is external to the air treatment member.