Vacuum Cleaner Accessory Holder Module for Reliable Latching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing canister vacuum cleaners face issues with spring-loaded latching hooks being difficult to manufacture and function correctly, especially when the upper part is painted or coated, leading to rounded edges that affect hook functionality.

Innovation Solution

The latching hooks are arranged on a functional module that penetrates an opening in the upper part, allowing for freedom in material choice and resilient mounting, with multiple hooks securing accessories and integrated complex functions like a locking device and filter change indicator.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If spring-loaded latching hooks are formed directly on the upper part, then accessories can be held securely, but manufacturing becomes difficult and edges are rounded off by coating

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveretention of suction accessoriesVSAvoidmanufacturing of latching hooks
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The latching hooks are separated from the upper part and integrated into a separate functional module. This segmentation allows the hooks to be manufactured independently using suitable materials and methods, while the upper part can be coated without affecting the hooks. The functional module is then mounted onto the upper part, combining the benefits of both components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of manufacture

If the upper part is painted or coated, then appearance is improved, but hook edges are rounded off and functionality deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoating of upper partVSAvoidfunctionality of latching hooks
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The latching hooks are extracted from the upper part and relocated to the functional module. This extraction ensures that the coating process applied to the upper part does not affect the sharp edges and functionality of the hooks, as they are now part of a separate component that is not subjected to the same coating process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Reliability

If multiple latching hooks are provided for multiple receptacles, then all accessories can be held securely, but assembly complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveretention of multiple accessoriesVSAvoidassembly of multiple hooks
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple latching hooks are merged into a single functional module, which is then mounted as one unit onto the upper part. This combining approach maintains the ability to secure multiple accessories while simplifying assembly, as the entire module with all its hooks can be installed in a single operation rather than attaching each hook separately.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 ensures functional and secure retention of suction accessories, simplifies assembly, and maintains hook functionality even after coating, enhancing the overall performance and usability of the vacuum cleaner.

Implementation Method 1

the latching hooks are resiliently mounted on the functional module

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP2409626B1Vacuum cleaner, in particular floor vacuum cleaner with at least one holder for suction accessories
Publication Date: 2014.04.16 MIELE & CO KG
  • EP2409626B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2409626B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2409626B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The vacuum cleaner has a housing, which has a cover-like upper part (5) for closing a dust collecting chamber and a functional module (11) directed to the dust collecting chamber. A receptacle (9) for a suction accessory is arranged on the outer side of the upper part. The hooks are arranged on the functional module.