Surface Cleaning Apparatus Wand Lock Design for Easier Reinsertion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surface cleaning apparatuses face challenges in efficiently managing the removal and reinstallation of above-floor cleaning wands, which can be cumbersome and inconvenient for users, particularly due to the need for bending and alignment issues during reinsertion.
Innovation Solution
A surface cleaning apparatus design featuring a wand release actuator and wand lock mechanism that allows for easy removal and reinstallation of the above-floor cleaning wand, with a wand lock that remains in an unlocked position for improved user convenience and alignment assistance, enabling the wand to be securely locked back into place without requiring extensive user effort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the upper portion is designed with a standard vertical extent to accommodate the wand lock mechanism, then the locking function is reliable, but the reinsertion process becomes difficult requiring user bending and precise alignment
Solution Approach 1:
The upper portion is divided into a main body and a separately removable wand lock mechanism. This segmentation allows the upper portion to maintain a reduced vertical extent for ease of wand reinsertion, while the wand lock mechanism can be independently designed and attached to provide reliable locking functionality without adding to the main body's height.
Solution Approach 2:
The wand lock mechanism serves as an intermediary component between the wand and the upper portion main body. It can be temporarily attached during the locking operation and then removed, allowing the upper portion to remain compact while still providing secure wand retention when needed.
2Reliability
If the wand lock mechanism is integrated into the upper portion, then the locking function is reliable, but the user must bend and align the wand precisely during reinsertion
Solution Approach 1:
The wand lock mechanism is designed to be dynamically attachable and detachable rather than permanently fixed. This allows the mechanism to be present during locking operations for reliability, then removed to simplify subsequent wand reinsertion operations, avoiding the need for user bending and precise alignment.
Solution Approach 2:
The wand lock mechanism can be preliminarily attached to the upper portion before wand reinsertion is needed, ensuring the locking function is ready. After use, it can be removed to facilitate easier wand reinsertion, separating the timing of locking preparation from the reinsertion operation.
3Ease of operation
If the upper portion maintains a reduced vertical extent for easier wand handling, then user comfort is improved, but the wand lock mechanism may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the upper portion into a compact main body and a separate wand lock mechanism, the main body can maintain a reduced vertical extent for comfortable wand handling, while the wand lock mechanism can be independently sized to provide adequate locking reliability without contributing to the main body's height.
Solution Approach 2:
The wand lock mechanism acts as an intermediary that can be attached only when needed for locking operations. This allows the upper portion main body to remain compact for user comfort, while the locking function can be fully implemented when the mechanism is present during critical operations.
Data Source
AI summary
A surface cleaning apparatus has a cyclone and a dirt collection chamber wherein the dirt collection chamber has a dirt collection chamber portion which is located axially spaced from the cyclone chamber and the dirt collection chamber portion has a transverse section in a plane transverse to the longitudinal axis of the cyclone that is annular.