Tool for a surface cleaning apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surface cleaning apparatuses are inefficient in picking up dirt and debris due to uncontrolled pivotal movement of the connecting member, which reduces suction efficiency during cleaning, especially when the tool is pushed or pulled in different directions.
Innovation Solution
A tool for a surface cleaning apparatus featuring a pivotally connected floor head and connecting member with a blocking device that inhibits pivotal movement outside a predetermined angle, ensuring effective dirt collection by maintaining optimal suction and preventing the tool from lifting off the surface during rearward strokes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the connecting member is allowed to pivot freely about axis A, then the tool has greater adaptability to different cleaning surfaces and angles, but the suction efficiency deteriorates due to uncontrolled movement outside the optimal angle range
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking device is designed to be movable between blocking and non-blocking conditions, allowing the system to dynamically switch between constrained and free-pivoting states. This enables the connecting member to adapt to different cleaning surfaces when needed while maintaining optimal suction efficiency during normal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The blocking device changes the operational parameters of the connecting member by limiting its pivotal movement to a predetermined angle range. This parameter control ensures that the tool maintains optimal suction efficiency while still providing sufficient adaptability for various cleaning applications.
2Productivity
If the blocking device is always in the blocking condition, then the suction efficiency is maintained, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to restricted movement when needed
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking device transitions between blocking and non-blocking conditions based on operational needs. During normal cleaning operations, it maintains the optimal angle for efficient suction. When adaptability is required, the user can move the blocking device to allow free pivoting, thus maintaining ease of operation while preserving cleaning efficiency.
3Ease of operation
If the connecting member pivots freely during rearward strokes, then the ease of operation is improved, but the cleaning performance deteriorates due to the tool lifting off the surface
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking device prevents the connecting member from pivoting beyond the predetermined angle range during rearward strokes, thereby preventing the tool from lifting off the cleaning surface. This preliminary constraint maintains consistent contact between the tool and surface, ensuring sustained cleaning performance while still allowing sufficient movement for operational ease.
Data Source
AI summary
A tool for a surface cleaning apparatus, including a floor head including a floor facing surface which defines an inlet for receiving dirt-laden air, which inlet is generally positioned in a first plane P; a passage for carrying dirt-laden air from the floor head to the apparatus; a connecting member for connecting the tool to a surface cleaning apparatus, wherein the floor head and connecting member are pivotally connected about an axis A; and a blocking device for inhibiting pivotal movement of the connecting member about axis A. The blocking device is moveable to a blocking condition in which pivotal movement of the connecting member downwardly outside of a pre-determined use condition is inhibited.