Handheld Vacuum Blower Attachment for Compact Mode Switching

Solution Overview

Problem

Cordless handy-type vacuum cleaners face challenges in incorporating a blower function without increasing size and weight, compromising their compact and lightweight design when a blower attachment is used.

Innovation Solution

The design includes a blower attachment that can be easily attached and detached from the vacuum cleaner main body, utilizing a connecting port and air paths to switch between suction and blower modes without requiring a complex switching mechanism, and using a biaser to control the opening/closing valve for air path communication.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a blower attachment is connected to the exhaust port on the vacuum cleaner main body, then the blower function is achieved, but the vacuum cleaner main body is enlarged in size and increased in weight

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveblower functionVSAvoidvacuum cleaner weight

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The exhaust port is designed with a universal structure that can accommodate both suction attachments and blower attachments. The connecting port includes a valve mechanism that can switch between different air path configurations, allowing the same port to serve dual purposes for both suction and blower operations without requiring separate dedicated ports for each function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The blower attachment is designed to nest within or attach compactly to the existing vacuum cleaner structure. The attachment integrates with the main body housing, utilizing available space and structural elements rather than adding completely separate external components, thereby minimizing the increase in overall size and weight.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a blower attachment is connected to the exhaust port on the vacuum cleaner main body, then the blower function is achieved, but the vacuum cleaner main body is enlarged in size

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveblower functionVSAvoidvacuum cleaner size

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The exhaust port is designed with a universal structure that can accommodate both suction attachments and blower attachments. The connecting port includes a valve mechanism that can switch between different air path configurations, allowing the same port to serve dual purposes for both suction and blower operations without requiring separate dedicated ports for each function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The blower attachment is designed to nest within or attach compactly to the existing vacuum cleaner structure. The attachment integrates with the main body housing, utilizing available space and structural elements rather than adding completely separate external components, thereby minimizing the increase in overall size and weight.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Adaptability or versatility

If a complex switching mechanism is used to switch between suction and blower modes, then mode switching is achieved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemode switchingVSAvoidswitching mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The valve mechanism is designed to be automatically actuated by the attachment itself. When a blower attachment is connected, its structure directly opens the valve to redirect exhaust air to the blower attachment. When a suction attachment is connected, the valve automatically returns to its default position. This eliminates the need for separate electronic switches, sensors, or control systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

A valve mechanism serves as a simple mechanical intermediary between the exhaust port and the attachments. The valve provides a straightforward binary state (open/closed) that directs airflow based on attachment type, acting as a passive mediator that responds to physical connection rather than requiring active control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3219234B1Handy-type vacuum cleaner

Publication Date: 2019.04.24 TOSHIBA LIFESTYLE PROD & SERVICES CORP

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AI summary

According to one embodiment, a handy-type vacuum cleaner has a vacuum cleaner main body, a gripping part for use for gripping the vacuum cleaner main body, and a blower attachment to be attached to/detached from the vacuum cleaner main body. The vacuum cleaner main body includes an electric blower, a dust-collecting device, a main body connecting port, a suction air path, and an exhaust air path. The dust-collecting device stores the dust and dirt sucked by driving of the electric blower. The blower attachment is inserted into/extracted from the main body connecting port. The suction air path communicates between the main body connecting port and the dust-collecting device. The exhaust air path communicates with the exhaust side of the electric blower. The exhaust air path communicates with the blower attachment when the blower attachment is inserted into the main body connecting port.