System and method for reducing noise and/or vibration in a cleaning apparatus with combing unit for removing debris
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vacuum cleaners face challenges in controlling suction engagement with surfaces and in preventing debris from becoming entangled around cleaning rollers, leading to noise and vibration issues.
Innovation Solution
A surface cleaning head with a combing unit and isolators is designed to reduce debris entanglement while minimizing noise and vibration, featuring a leading roller with soft bristles and a combing unit with angled teeth to intercept debris, and elastomeric isolators to absorb vibration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a debriding rib with plurality of teeth is used to contact and cut debris on the roller, then debris entanglement is reduced, but noise and vibration increase
Solution Approach 1:
A combing unit is introduced as an intermediary component between the roller and the debriding rib. The combing unit includes a combing surface with comb teeth that engage with the roller to remove debris, while the debriding rib with its plurality of teeth contacts the combing surface rather than directly contacting the roller. This intermediary combing unit reduces the impact and friction between the debriding rib and roller, thereby reducing noise and vibration while maintaining effective debris removal capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the geometric parameters of the combing unit and debriding rib to optimize performance. The comb teeth are arranged with specific spacing and angles, and the debriding rib teeth are designed with particular dimensions and orientations. By adjusting these parameters, the system achieves effective debris cutting and removal while minimizing the force and friction that generate noise and vibration during operation
2Reliability
If the suction conduit is directly engaged with the surface to provide sealing, then suction control is improved, but air flow stops and motor damage occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The suction conduit is designed with movable or adjustable engagement components that allow dynamic control of the seal with the surface. Rather than being fixed in a fully sealed position, the conduit can adjust its engagement level to maintain optimal airflow while providing sufficient sealing for effective suction control, preventing motor damage from airflow cessation
3Reliability
If projections are used to engage the roller to facilitate debris removal, then debris removal is improved, but operation of the surface cleaning head is interfered with
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using projections that engage the roller across its entire circumference, the patent applies debris removal features locally at specific positions. The combing unit and debriding rib are positioned to contact the roller only where needed for effective debris removal, leaving other portions of the roller free to rotate without interference, thus maintaining ease of operation while achieving reliable debris removal
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 solution effectively reduces noise and vibration, improving user experience and maintaining regulatory compliance by efficiently removing debris and enhancing airflow and suction.
Implementation Method 1
an isolator coupled to the combing unit and the housing or the panel. The isolator may be formed, at least in part, from an elastomeric material. The isolator may be configured to absorb vibration caused by contact between the combing unit and the cleaner due to rotation of the cleaner
Implementation Method 2
The isolator may be formed, at least in part, from an elastomeric material
Data Source
AI summary
A cleaning apparatus may include at least one isolator configured to absorb mechanical vibration generated by contact between an agitator and a combining unit to reduce noise and/or vibration. The isolator may include at least one combing isolator disposed at least partially between the combing unit and the surface cleaning head. Alternatively (or in addition), the isolator may include a panel isolator disposed at least partially between a housing of the cleaning apparatus and a panel.