Universal Vacuum Adapter Assembly for Multi-Diameter Extension Pipes
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vacuum cleaner adapter solutions are limited in their ability to universally fit various vacuum cleaner extension pipes with different diameters and shapes, leading to consumer confusion and waste due to the need for multiple adapters, as they often only accommodate pre-set sizes and shapes, excluding those with unique or non-circular outlines and lockers.
Innovation Solution
An adapter assembly featuring a tube body with a fitting end, a flange end, a moving and positioning unit, and an elastic seal ring that can arch outwardly to securely connect suction nozzles to extension pipes with circular air channels, accommodating diameters from 28 mm to 42 mm, regardless of the pipe's shape or presence of a locker, ensuring a wide range of compatibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple adapters with different diameters and shapes are supplied, then compatibility with various vacuum cleaners is improved, but device complexity and consumer confusion increase
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter assembly is designed with a universal structure that can accommodate multiple vacuum cleaner types through adjustable components. The movable part with positioning holes and elastic seal ring allows the same adapter to fit different pipe diameters (φ32mm, φ35mm, φ38mm) and shapes (circular, oval, square), eliminating the need for multiple specialized adapters.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter incorporates a movable part that can be adjusted to different positions using positioning holes, allowing the elastic seal ring to adapt to different pipe diameters dynamically. This adjustable mechanism enables a single adapter design to serve multiple size requirements without needing separate fixed-size adapters.
2Ease of manufacture
If limited types of short tubes are supplied as adapters, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but adaptability to new vacuum cleaner designs is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter uses a movable adjustment mechanism with positioning holes instead of manufacturing multiple fixed-size tubes. This allows a single adapter design to be adjusted to fit different pipe diameters and shapes, maintaining low manufacturing costs while improving adaptability to new vacuum cleaner designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter changes its effective parameters (seal ring position, compression force) through the movable part adjustment mechanism. By varying the position of the movable part among different positioning holes, the adapter can accommodate different pipe diameters and shapes without requiring different physical adapter designs.
3Manufacturing precision
If a fixed-diameter adapter is used, then manufacturing precision is simplified, but compatibility with different pipe diameters is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter incorporates a movable part that can be positioned at different locations along the tube body, allowing the elastic seal ring to contact pipes of different diameters. This dynamic adjustment capability maintains simple manufacturing for each individual adapter while achieving compatibility across multiple pipe sizes.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter is divided into a fixed tube body and a movable adjustable part. The tube body maintains consistent manufacturing dimensions, while the movable part with positioning holes provides the adaptation capability, separating the precision manufacturing requirement from the adaptability function.
4Ease of operation
If outer fitting method is used for extension pipe connection, then ease of operation is improved, but compatibility with different pipe shapes is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter uses an elastic seal ring whose compression force and position can be adjusted through the movable part. This allows the seal ring to adapt to different pipe shapes (circular, oval, square) while maintaining the simple outer fitting connection method, achieving both ease of operation and shape compatibility.
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 adapter assembly provides a universal solution by securely connecting suction nozzles to extension pipes with circular air channels of varying diameters, offering convenience and reducing the need for multiple adapters, as it can fit all pipes within the specified diameter range, thus enhancing usability and reducing consumer confusion.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic seal ring sleeved around the flange end, comprises one end butting against the flange and another end butting against the mobile part; wherein the mobile part can make the elastic seal ring arch outwardly and come into tight contact with internal surface of the extension pipe
Data Source
AI summary
An adaptor assembly and a suction nozzle which includes the adaptor assembly. The adaptor assembly works with the outlet port part of a suction nozzle to adapt the suction nozzle with the extension pipe of a vacuum cleaner in a sealed manner. The adapter assembly includes a tube body with a fitting end to fit the outlet port part and a flange end with a flange for inserting into the extension pipe. A moving and positioning unit is located between the fitting and flange ends, and includes a base part fixed on the tube body and a mobile part cooperating with the base part. An elastic seal ring sleeves around the flange end and includes one end butting against the flange and another end butting against the mobile part. The elastic seal ring arch outwardly and come into tight contact with internal surface of the extension pipe.