Two-Part Vacuum Attachment with Nested Crevice and Brush Tools
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vacuum cleaning appliances require time-consuming and prone-to-damage tool changes between modes, with auxiliary suction tools often misplaced or lost due to separate accessory design.
Innovation Solution
A two-part attachment system for vacuum cleaners, featuring a crevice nozzle and brush section that can be moved between retracted and deployed positions, allowing for seamless switching between handheld and floor cleaning modes without replacing tools, with the brush section and crevice nozzle stored within the second part to prevent damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If auxiliary suction tools are provided as separate accessories for interchange, then the appliance can be used in multiple cleaning modes, but the user may temporarily misplace or lose the tool and the act of detaching and reattaching tools is time consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple auxiliary tools (crevice tool, brush tool, upholstery tool) into a single integrated attachment unit that can be quickly connected to the vacuum cleaner body. This merging of separate accessories into one unified component allows the user to switch between different cleaning modes by simply detaching and reattaching the single integrated unit, rather than handling multiple separate tools, thereby reducing tool changing time while maintaining versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated attachment unit is designed to perform multiple functions through different tools contained within it. The unit can be configured with a crevice tool for narrow spaces, a brush tool for surface agitation, or an upholstery tool for fabric cleaning, making it a universal accessory that adapts to various cleaning needs. This multi-functionality allows the appliance to operate in multiple cleaning modes without requiring separate accessories for each function.
2Ease of operation
If the crevice tool is exposed when the attachment unit is integrated between the two suction pipes, then the attachment unit can be easily accessed, but there is a risk of damaging the crevice tool
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a nesting arrangement where the crevice tool, brush tool, and upholstery tool are stored within the attachment unit housing. The crevice tool is positioned inside the attachment unit rather than being externally exposed, allowing it to be protected from damage while remaining accessible when needed. The tools are nested within the unit's structure, with the crevice tool stored in an internal compartment that can be accessed by opening the attachment unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment unit is segmented into different functional compartments, with the crevice tool, brush tool, and upholstery tool each having their own designated storage space. This segmentation allows each tool to be independently accessed and replaced without affecting the others, while all tools remain protected within the attachment unit structure. The crevice tool is specifically positioned in a protected compartment that prevents damage during transport and storage.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
An attachment for a vacuum cleaning appliance has a first part which is connectable to a main body of the appliance, and a second part which is connectable to the first part. The first part includes a crevice nozzle and a brush section which is moveable along the crevice nozzle between a retracted position and a deployed position. The second part includes a suction inlet, and is arranged to be push-fitted over the first part so that the crevice nozzle and the brush section of the first part are both stored within the second part when the second part is connected to the first part.