Vacuum Agitator Deformable Flaps for Fibrous Debris Migration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Vacuum cleaners face inefficiencies and damage due to elongated debris like hair and fur becoming entangled in the agitator, which is difficult to remove and can reduce the agitator's efficiency and cause damage to the motor and other components.

Innovation Solution

A hair migration system with deformable flaps and ribs is integrated into the vacuum cleaner, which encourages fibrous debris to migrate along the agitator towards a central location, facilitating removal and preventing entanglement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a rotating agitator is used to clean surfaces, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but fibrous debris becomes entangled in the agitator bristles

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning effectivenessVSAvoiddebris entanglement

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A combing unit with comb teeth is introduced as an intermediary element between the agitator and the debris. The comb teeth engage with the agitator bristles and remove entangled fibrous debris, allowing the agitator to continue rotating effectively without being blocked by hair and fur entanglement

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The combing unit is positioned to automatically engage with the rotating agitator during normal operation. As the agitator rotates, the comb teeth continuously comb through the bristles, self-cleaning the agitator of entangled debris without requiring manual intervention or stopping the cleaning process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If fibrous debris becomes entangled in the agitator, then the agitator structure is damaged, but removing the entangled debris is difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveagitator durabilityVSAvoiddebris removal difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The combing unit provides continuous self-cleaning of the agitator during operation. By automatically removing debris as it becomes entangled, the system prevents damage to the agitator structure and eliminates the need for manual cleaning or repair interventions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The comb teeth are positioned to remove fibrous debris before it can become deeply entangled or cause damage to the agitator. This preliminary removal action prevents the harmful effects of entanglement from developing in the first place

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Productivity

If the agitator rotates continuously to maintain cleaning performance, then energy consumption increases, but stopping to remove debris reduces productivity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontinuous cleaning performanceVSAvoidagitator energy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The combing unit enables the agitator to rotate continuously without interruption for debris removal. The comb teeth continuously comb through the bristles during rotation, maintaining cleaning performance while eliminating the need to stop the agitator, thus avoiding energy waste from starting and stopping cycles

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Data Source

PatentUS20230363598A1Agitator for a surface treatment apparatus and a surface treatment apparatus having the same

Publication Date: 2023.11.16 SHARKNINJA OPERATING LLC

AI summary

An example of an agitator for a vacuum cleaner may include a body and at least one deformable flap extending from the body. The deformable flap may include at least one taper. The at least one taper causes a cleaning edge of the deformable flap to approach the body.