Telescopic Vacuum Suction Tube With Single-Control Length Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing telescopic vacuum cleaner suction tubes require multiple locking mechanisms for each segment, increasing manufacturing costs and complexity due to the need for notches in the tube segments, and lack an efficient actuation method for length adjustment.
Innovation Solution
A vacuum cleaner suction tube design featuring three telescopically connected segments with a central control device that mechanically links all segments, allowing for length adjustment through manual displacement of one segment while automatically moving the other segments, and an actuating mechanism that simplifies locking and unlocking without direct interaction with the segments' walls, reducing the need for notches and enabling easy length adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple locking mechanisms are provided for each pipe segment to enable independent position adjustment, then the vacuum cleaner suction tube can be adjusted to various length configurations, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase due to requiring separate locking elements for each segment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple locking functions into a single control device that mechanically connects all pipe segments. This control device includes a single locking element that can lock or unlock all segments simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate locking mechanisms at each segment interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The control device serves multiple functions: it mechanically connects all pipe segments, transmits forces between segments, and provides a single locking point for the entire telescopic structure. This multi-functional design reduces the overall number of components needed.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate locking mechanisms are provided for each pipe segment, then each segment can be locked independently, but the ease of operation deteriorates as the operator must lock or open each mechanism separately
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple independent locking operations into a single action. The control device with its single locking element allows the operator to lock or unlock all pipe segments simultaneously, greatly simplifying the operation compared to handling multiple separate locking mechanisms.
3Reliability
If notches are cut into the walls of tube segments to create locking interactions, then the locking mechanism can be implemented, but the manufacturing cost increases and the wall thickness requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the locking function from the pipe segment walls themselves and relocates it to a separate control device. Instead of cutting notches into the tube walls, the locking element is provided as a distinct component that interacts with the segments through their outer surfaces, eliminating the need for wall modifications.
4Ease of manufacture
If a control device mechanically connects all pipe segments and moves them simultaneously in opposite directions, then the actuation is optimized and manufacturing is simplified, but the ability to achieve all intermediate length configurations may be limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a toothed rack and pinion mechanism that provides controlled discrete positioning. The pinion gear engages with the toothed rack to move pipe segments in controlled increments, allowing the system to achieve multiple discrete length configurations while maintaining mechanical simplicity and reliable locking at each position.
Data Source
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AI summary
The suction pipe (1) has three pipe segments (2-4) that are telescopically connected to one another. The pipe segment (2) is arranged between the pipe segments (3,4). A control device is arranged to control mechanical interaction of the three pipe segments. The pipe segment (2) is moved by the control device simultaneously, when the other two pipe segments (3,4) are moved manually in an axial direction with respect to the pipe segment.