Combined Vacuum Brush With Pedal-Driven Multi-Mode Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing combined brushes for vacuum cleaners can only operate in two modes, limiting their versatility and requiring separate external accessories, whereas the need is for a device that can seamlessly switch between multiple operating modes, such as cleaning floors, carpets, and liquids, without external accessories.
Innovation Solution
A combined brush design featuring a rotating shaft that intermittently translates two or more movable frames between retracted and extended positions, allowing for multiple operating modes by depressing a single pedal, with mechanisms like cams and cam followers enabling smooth transitions and stabilization, eliminating the need for external accessories.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a combined brush uses a pedal-operated mechanism with springs to lift and lower frames, then the brush can switch between operating modes, but only two accessories can be extended at a time, limiting versatility
Solution Approach 1:
The brush is divided into multiple independent movable frames (first movable frame, second movable frame, etc.), each capable of holding different accessories. This segmentation allows each frame to be independently controlled and extended, enabling more than two operating modes without requiring a single complex mechanism to manage all accessories simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces an intermittently rotating shaft that dynamically controls the extension and retraction of multiple frames in sequence. The shaft's intermittent rotation, driven by a single pedal through cam mechanisms, allows the system to transition between multiple operating modes dynamically, with each rotation cycle enabling different frames to be extended based on the cam profile and follower positioning.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple movable frames are added to the brush to increase operating modes, then versatility improves, but the device complexity and number of components increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single pedal-operated intermittent rotation mechanism serves multiple functions by controlling the extension and retraction of multiple different frames. The universal shaft and cam system can sequence through different frames during rotation, allowing one mechanism to perform the work of what would otherwise require multiple separate mechanisms, thus reducing overall device complexity while maintaining high versatility.
3Ease of operation
If frames are held in raised position by springs, then the brush can easily transition between modes, but the mechanism requires more space and becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
Return springs are incorporated into each movable frame mechanism to automatically return frames to their retracted position after extension. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for additional motors or complex control systems to retract frames, as the springs autonomously perform the return function, simplifying the overall control mechanism while maintaining ease of operation between modes.
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
Enables the brush to switch between multiple operating modes effortlessly, enhancing versatility and ease of use by integrating multiple accessories within the brush, allowing for effective cleaning of various surfaces without external accessories.
Implementation Method 1
it is equipped with at least one return spring (13) which pushes its movable frame toward its retracted position
Implementation Method 2
said shaft (4) moves two first flat cams (5) and two second flat cams (6) integral with said first movable frame (10) and with said second movable frame (11), respectively
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4A~4B
AI summary
Multi-function combined brush (1) for vacuum cleaner. A brush (1) for vacuum cleaner of a "combined" type, i.e. a brush (1) capable of changing the operating mode without being obliged to replace the accessory, whose main feature consists of its possibility of alternating its functions, for instance carpets, floors, and liquids, by way of a pedal (7) featuring one static position. Very advantageously, the innovative solution according to the present application makes it possible to embody a combined brush (1) capable of performing different functions in one device.