Surface cleaning apparatus with different cleaning configurations
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional surface cleaning apparatuses face challenges in maneuverability and ease of use due to the weight of the portable cleaning unit, which can hinder navigation around obstacles and require reconfiguration of airflow conduits when switching between operating modes.
Innovation Solution
A surface cleaning apparatus with a detachable portable cleaning unit connected via a flexible conduit, allowing for seamless airflow communication without reconfiguration, enabling multiple operating modes including upright, portable, and auxiliary configurations, and facilitating one-handed operation and easy detachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the portable cleaning unit is mounted on the support structure, then the cleaning apparatus can operate in upright mode with stable airflow, but the weight increases and maneuverability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning apparatus is divided into separable components: the portable cleaning unit can be detached from the support structure, allowing the user to operate with only the necessary weight for each specific cleaning task while maintaining the option for stable upright operation when needed
2Ease of operation
If the portable cleaning unit is detached from the support structure, then the maneuverability and ease of use improve, but the airflow connection may be disrupted
Solution Approach 1:
A flexible hose connects the portable cleaning unit to the support structure, maintaining airflow communication while allowing the unit to be detached and maneuvered independently. The flexibility of the hose accommodates movement and positioning changes without disrupting the air flow path
3Reliability
If a rigid airflow conduit is used between the cleaning unit and support structure, then the airflow connection is stable, but the device complexity and reconfiguration requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The rigid airflow conduit is replaced with a flexible hose that maintains stable airflow connection without requiring complex reconfiguration. The flexible nature of the hose allows it to adapt to different positions and orientations, eliminating the need for multiple connection configurations
4Reliability
If the cleaning unit is permanently attached to the support structure, then the airflow communication is maintained, but the adaptability to different operating modes decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment between the cleaning unit and support structure is made dynamic rather than fixed. The detachable connection with flexible hose allows the system to transition between different operating modes (upright, portable, auxiliary) while maintaining airflow communication when needed
Data Source
AI summary
A surface cleaning apparatus having comprises a surface cleaning head having a dirty air inlet; a longitudinally extending upper portion moveably mounted to the surface cleaning head between a storage position and a floor cleaning position, the upper portion comprising first and second longitudinally spaced apart portable surface cleaning unit mounting members; a portable surface cleaning unit removably mounted to the upper portion and comprising an air treatment member and a suction motor; above floor cleaning wand removably mounted in the upper portion and removable when the portable surface cleaning unit is mounted to the upper portion; and, a flexible air flow conduit forming at least part of an air flow path from the above floor cleaning wand to the surface cleaning unit.