Tiltable Vacuum Cleaner Nozzle With Elastic Stop for Lower Motion Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vacuum cleaner nozzles face challenges in user friendliness and reduced motion resistance, especially at varying suction powers, as increased suction power leads to increased motion resistance and energy consumption.
Innovation Solution
A passive nozzle design featuring a hinged structure with an elastic stop element that allows the inlet part to tilt relative to the intermediate part, adjusting the maximum tilt angle based on motion resistance and suction power, thereby reducing motion resistance by allowing air flow through gaps formed between the nozzle and the surface during forward and backward strokes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If suction power is increased to improve dust pickup capability, then dust pickup capability is improved, but motion resistance of the nozzle increases
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle employs a hinged inlet part that can dynamically tilt relative to the intermediate part, transitioning from a fixed to a dynamic structure. This allows the nozzle to automatically adjust its configuration in response to varying suction powers and motion resistance conditions, optimizing performance across different operating states
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic stop element enables the maximum tilt angle parameter to be adjusted based on the force exerted by the inlet part. This parameter change allows the system to adapt the tilt angle according to motion resistance levels, thereby managing the trade-off between dust pickup capability and motion resistance
2Productivity
If suction power is increased to improve dust pickup capability, then dust pickup capability is improved, but energy consumption of the motor unit increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hinged inlet part with elastic stop element provides a self-regulating mechanism that automatically adjusts the tilt angle in response to suction power levels. This self-service feature allows the nozzle to optimize air flow and reduce energy consumption without requiring external control systems or additional energy input
3Device complexity
If a fixed stop element is used to limit tilting motion, then the structure is simple, but the end position of tilting range cannot be adjusted based on motion resistance
Solution Approach 1:
The stop element incorporates an elastic portion that changes its physical state based on the force exerted by the inlet part. This parameter change allows the stop element to transition from a rigid, fixed-position component to a flexible, force-responsive component that can adjust the maximum tilt angle according to motion resistance conditions
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 design balances motion resistance and suction power, enhancing user friendliness by mitigating increased motion resistance caused by higher suction powers through adjustable tilt angles and air flow, reducing energy consumption and improving cleaning efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the stop element comprises an elastic portion such that an end position of the tilting range is adjustable based on a force exerted on the stop element by said inlet part
Implementation Method 2
air may be allowed to flow through a gap between the rear portion of the underside of the inlet part and the surface being vacuumed. The increased air flow may reduce the underpressure at the nozzle and hence the motion resistance
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3
AI summary
A passive nozzle (200) for a vacuum cleaner is disclosed. The nozzle comprises an outlet part (110, 210) adapted to be coupled to a hose of the vacuum cleaner, an intermediate part (120, 220) and an inlet part (130, 230) which is hingedly connected to the intermediate part such that a tilting motion of the inlet part is allowed relative to the intermediate part within a tilt range. The nozzle further comprises a stop element (140, 240) arranged to limit the tilting motion of the inlet part, wherein the stop element comprises an elastic portion such that an end position of the tilting range is adjustable based on a force exerted on the stop element by said inlet part.