Surface cleaning apparatus

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing surface cleaning apparatuses lack an efficient design that optimizes weight distribution and airflow path while allowing for versatile usage as both a handheld and connected device, with existing designs often compromising on either performance or usability.

Innovation Solution

A surface cleaning apparatus featuring a housing with a suction source and dirt collection container where the motor axle is offset from the dirt collection container's axis, allowing for horizontal orientation and improved weight distribution, with an elongate member connecting the floor head to the housing and enabling dirt-laden air passage, and allowing for detachable components for versatile tool attachments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Weight of moving object

If the motor axle is positioned centrally aligned with the dirt collection container, then the structural design is simpler, but the weight distribution is less optimized and airflow path is less efficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveweight distributionVSAvoidstructural design
Core Design Contradiction:
Weight of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The motor axle is deliberately positioned offset from the longitudinal axis of the dirt collection container, creating an asymmetric configuration. This asymmetric placement optimizes weight distribution and airflow path efficiency, resolving the contradiction by accepting increased structural complexity in exchange for improved performance characteristics.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

2Productivity

If the apparatus is designed as a complete unit with floor head connected, then cleaning performance is optimized, but versatility for different usage scenarios is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecleaning performanceVSAvoidusage versatility
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The apparatus is divided into separable components including the floor head, elongate member, and handheld housing. This segmentation allows the system to function as a complete unit for optimized cleaning performance while enabling disassembly for versatile usage scenarios, including handheld operation and attachment of different floor heads for various cleaning tasks.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Weight of moving object

If the motor axle extends away from the floor head, then the airflow path is simplified, but weight distribution and airflow path optimization are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveweight distributionVSAvoidairflow path configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
Weight of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The motor axle is positioned with specific local characteristics - offset from the container axis and extending towards the floor head - to optimize weight distribution and airflow path in critical regions. This localized optimization resolves the contradiction by configuring the airflow path and component arrangement to achieve both weight optimization and airflow efficiency without excessive complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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

The apparatus achieves efficient airflow and improved usability by optimizing weight distribution and airflow path, enabling effective dirt collection and allowing for versatile tool attachments, enhancing user experience and cleaning efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

a suction source including a motor with an axle which rotates a fan

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure difference: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 2

CN105935275 describes a cyclone type dust collector

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCyclone separation: Cyclone Separation

Data Source

PatentEP3525650B1Surface cleaning apparatus
Publication Date: 2023.08.09 TTI MACAO COMML OFFSHORE LTD
  • EP3525650B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3525650B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3525650B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A surface cleaning apparatus including a housing (10) supporting a suction source including a motor (30) with an axle (31) which rotates a fan (33) and a dirt collection container (18) having an elongate axis A, wherein the elongate axis A of the dirt collection container (18) is transverse to an axis (32) of the axle (31) of the motor (30), and wherein the axis (32) of the axle (31) of the motor (30) is offset from the elongate axis A of the dirt collection container (18).