Surface cleaning apparatus

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing surface cleaning apparatuses lack a compact and ergonomic design, which affects their usability and efficiency in cleaning tasks.

Innovation Solution

The surface cleaning apparatus features a cyclonic separating device with a motor and dirt collection chamber aligned parallel to each other, with the battery positioned underneath to optimize weight distribution and minimize height, along with a handle configuration that allows for ergonomic grip and easy operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Weight of moving object

If the battery is positioned in the housing, then the apparatus can be powered, but the height and weight distribution are not optimized

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveweight distributionVSAvoidergonomic characteristics
Core Design Contradiction:
Weight of moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The battery is repositioned from a conventional horizontal placement to a vertical orientation underneath the cyclonic separator, utilizing the height dimension to optimize weight distribution and achieve better ergonomic characteristics without increasing the footprint

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Length of stationary object

If the motor and dirt collection chamber are arranged conventionally, then the apparatus functions properly, but the overall height is increased

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoverall heightVSAvoidcomponent arrangement
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The motor and dirt collection chamber are arranged in a vertical stacking configuration rather than horizontal placement, utilizing the vertical dimension to minimize the overall height of the apparatus while maintaining proper functionality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The motor is positioned within the housing structure in a nested arrangement with the dirt collection chamber, optimizing space utilization and reducing the external dimensions of the apparatus

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Ease of operation

If the cyclonic separator, motor, and battery are arranged without specific alignment, then the apparatus is simpler to manufacture, but the ergonomic characteristics are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveergonomic characteristicsVSAvoidcomponent alignment
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The cyclonic separator, motor, and battery are arranged in an asymmetric vertical configuration optimized for ergonomic handling, with the battery underneath providing balanced weight distribution and the handle positioned for optimal user grip

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

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

This configuration enhances ergonomic characteristics and reduces the overall height of the apparatus, improving usability and efficiency while allowing for adjustable battery capacity using identical cells.

Implementation Method 1

a cyclonic separating device having an elongate axis for separating dirt from the airflow through the apparatus

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCyclone separation: Cyclone Separation

Data Source

PatentEP3641609B1Surface cleaning apparatus
Publication Date: 2022.11.09 TECHTRONIC FLOOR CARE TECH LTD
  • EP3641609B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3641609B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3641609B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A surface cleaning apparatus including: a housing supporting: a suction source including a motor with an axle having an axis (A) which rotates a fan; a dirt collection chamber having an elongate axis (B); and a battery for providing power to operate the suction source, wherein the battery has an elongate axis (C); wherein the axis (A) of the motor axle and the elongate axis (B) of the dirt collection chamber extend transversely with respect to the elongate axis (C) of the battery.