Surface cleaning apparatus with a variable inlet flow area
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional surface cleaning apparatuses face a trade-off between airflow performance and lifting power, with cordless models limited by onboard energy storage, requiring a balance between velocity and run time, especially when switching between floor and above-floor cleaning modes.
Innovation Solution
A reconfigurable surface cleaning apparatus with different air flow path cross-sectional areas for floor and above-floor modes, utilizing a narrower path for greater lifting power in floor mode and a wider path for longer run time in above-floor mode, achieved by adjusting the air flow conduit sizes and configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If a narrower air flow path is used in floor cleaning mode, then lifting power is improved, but run time is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The air flow path includes a movable wall that can adjust between first and second positions, dynamically changing the cross-sectional flow area. In floor cleaning mode, the wall is positioned to create a narrower path for higher velocity and lifting power. In above-floor cleaning mode, the wall is repositioned to create a wider path for longer run time, allowing the system to adapt to different operational requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameter of air flow path cross-sectional area to resolve the contradiction. By adjusting the area parameter between two defined states (narrower for floor mode, wider for above-floor mode), the system optimizes performance for each cleaning scenario without requiring separate devices.
2Duration of action of moving object
If a wider air flow path is used in above-floor cleaning mode, then run time is extended, but lifting power is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The movable wall enables dynamic reconfiguration of the air flow path width. When positioned at the second position, it creates a wider cross-sectional area that reduces airflow resistance and extends run time for above-floor cleaning, while accepting reduced lifting power that is acceptable for this cleaning mode.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the air flow path area parameter to a wider configuration for above-floor cleaning mode, trading off some lifting power for extended operational duration, which is the appropriate optimization for this cleaning scenario.
3Force
If suction motor power is increased, then lifting power is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of increasing motor power, the patent changes the air flow path area parameter to optimize airflow velocity. The narrower path in floor cleaning mode increases velocity and lifting power through aerodynamic effects rather than brute force, reducing energy consumption while maintaining cleaning effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces direct mechanical power increase with aerodynamic optimization. By carefully designing the air flow path geometry, the system achieves higher lifting power through increased air velocity and pressure differentials rather than simply adding more motor power, thereby reducing energy consumption.
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
Enhances lifting power in floor cleaning mode while extending run time in above-floor mode by optimizing air flow velocity and pressure without altering suction motor power levels.
Implementation Method 1
a suction motor and an air flow path extending from a dirty air inlet to an air outlet
Implementation Method 2
the airflow that entrains and transports dirt and other debris from a surface being cleaned to the air treatment member
Data Source
AI summary
A reconfigurable surface cleaning apparatus includes a floor cleaning unit comprising a surface cleaning head, and a portable cleaning unit. The reconfigurable surface cleaning apparatus is operable in an above floor cleaning mode in which the portable cleaning unit is removed from the floor cleaning unit and in a floor cleaning mode in which an upflow duct is received in the portable cleaning unit and defines the air flow passage upwardly through the portable cleaning unit to a cyclone chamber air inlet.