Vacuum cleaner, accessory for a vacuum cleaner and vacuum cleaning system
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vacuum cleaners and their accessories lack effective illumination of the cleaning surface when used without or with accessories, as light sources are often obscured or create shadows, making them costly and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
Positioning light sources and outlets at or above the top surface of the spout, displaced from the dust inlet, ensures illumination without obstruction, and using light guides in accessories to maintain effective lighting across various cleaning tasks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If light sources are positioned at the front surface of the spout, then the structure is simple and cost-effective, but the light is obscured when the spout contacts the cleaning surface
Solution Approach 1:
The light source is repositioned from the front surface (2D plane) to the top surface of the spout, changing the spatial dimension of light emission. This vertical displacement allows light to shine downward onto the cleaning surface without being blocked by the spout's contact with the surface, resolving the contradiction between simple structure and effective illumination.
2Illumination intensity
If light sources are added to all accessories, then illumination coverage is comprehensive, but the cost and device complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The spout is designed with a universal light guide structure that can accommodate different accessory types. The single light source at the spout serves multiple functions by illuminating various cleaning surfaces through the light guide, eliminating the need for separate light sources in each accessory and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
A light guide acts as an intermediary component between the light source and the cleaning surface. This light guide can be integrated into different accessories, allowing the light to reach various cleaning areas without requiring direct light sources in each accessory, thus maintaining simplicity while achieving comprehensive illumination.
3Volume of moving object
If light outlets are positioned at the front surface, then the structure is compact, but shadows are created that hinder cleaning visibility
Solution Approach 1:
The light outlet is repositioned from the front surface to the top surface of the spout, changing the light emission direction from horizontal to vertical. This dimensional change allows light to illuminate the cleaning surface from above, eliminating shadows cast by the spout structure while maintaining compact dimensions.
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
Provides cost-effective illumination of cleaning surfaces with the vacuum cleaner and its accessories, ensuring light is directed effectively without being obstructed, enhancing visibility in dark or narrow spaces.
Implementation Method 1
a light guide connecting the accessory light inlet and the accessory light outlet
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
The present invention relates to a vacuum cleaner, and accessory for a vacuum cleaner and a vacuum cleaning system. A light source and a light outlet is positioned at the top of a spout of a handheld vacuum cleaner at a distance from the front surface of the spout. The emitted light can be used to make the dirt more visible when using in dark places when the appliance is used as handheld vacuum cleaner and this light can be used to couple this light into a light guide build into an accessory like crevice nozzle or brush nozzle.