Vacuum Cleaner Flow Path Switching With Tilt-Driven Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fluid flow path diverting apparatuses in vacuum cleaners face issues such as incomplete path blocking leading to decreased fluid pressure, mechanical wear, user inconvenience, and complex assembly with high manufacturing costs due to multiple parts and fasteners.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus with a path selecting unit, driven by a member that moves with the inclining of the vacuum cleaner, using a cam and elastic member to selectively connect fluid flow paths, reducing the need for complex structures and fasteners, and enhancing sealing with shielding plates and a sealing member.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a plate type valve member is used to divert fluid flow path, then the structure is simple, but the fluid pressure deteriorates due to incomplete path blocking
Solution Approach 1:
The valve member is divided into a plate portion and a rod portion, with the plate portion having a specific shape that can completely block the fluid passage when tilted. The segmentation allows the valve to achieve complete path blocking while maintaining structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve member is designed to tilt dynamically between two positions (first position blocking first passage, second position blocking second passage) based on the inclination of the main body. This dynamic tilting motion enables complete path blocking without complex mechanisms.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a ball joint is used to change fluid flow path, then the path diversion is achieved, but mechanical wear occurs due to weight transmission and surface contact
Solution Approach 1:
The ball joint is completely removed from the design. Instead, a valve member tilted by the inclination of the main body is used to block fluid passages. This extraction eliminates the wear problem associated with ball joints while maintaining path diversion capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve member utilizes the inclination of the main body itself as the driving force for path diversion. The main body's inclination automatically tilts the valve member to the appropriate position, eliminating the need for separate actuating mechanisms and reducing mechanical wear.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a manually-operated lever is used to divert path, then path selection is achieved, but user convenience deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The valve member automatically responds to the inclination of the main body without requiring manual operation. When the main body is tilted, the valve member tilts accordingly to block the appropriate passage, enabling automatic path selection based on usage conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual lever operation is replaced by utilizing the gravitational force and inclination of the main body to drive the valve member. This substitution eliminates the need for manual intervention while achieving the same path selection function.
4Adaptability or versatility
If complicated structures with multiple parts and fasteners are used, then path diversion function is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The valve member integrates multiple functions into a single component: it serves as both the blocking element and the actuating element. The plate portion and rod portion are combined in one piece that tilts to control fluid flow, eliminating the need for separate fasteners and multiple parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve member is designed to perform multiple functions: it blocks fluid passages, responds to main body inclination, and automatically positions itself for path diversion. This multi-functionality reduces the overall number of components needed in the system.
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 allows for efficient and convenient diversion of fluid flow paths, reducing pressure loss, simplifying assembly and maintenance, and lowering manufacturing costs by integrating components and eliminating the need for extra fasteners.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic member to provide the path selecting tube with a recovery force
Implementation Method 2
a cam formed on the path selecting tube, the cam including a hinge hole to be engaged with a hinge protrusion, and a cam groove to receive a driving protrusion of the driving member
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for diverting a fluid flow path automatically diverts a fluid flow path in accordance with inclining of a main body, and includes two or more selectable fluid flow paths through which an external air stream is drawn, a fixed fluid flow path to be selectively connected to one of the selectable fluid flow paths, a path selecting unit to connect the fixed fluid flow path to one of the selectable fluid flow paths, and a driving member to provide a driving force for path selecting of the path selecting unit. If mounted in an external apparatus, the driving member causes the path selecting unit to move and connect to the fixed fluid flow path in accordance with inclining of the external apparatus.