Adapter for vacuum cleaner assembly

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vacuum cleaner systems lack a convenient and efficient method for interchangeable battery use between upright and handheld devices, leading to increased weight and cost due to separate battery requirements for each application.

Innovation Solution

A vacuum cleaner assembly that includes an upright vacuum cleaner, a handheld accessory, and an adapter, allowing a single battery to be used interchangeably between the two, with a connection system featuring a recess and projection mechanism for secure attachment and detachment, enabling the battery to power either device independently.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If separate batteries are used for upright and handheld vacuum cleaners, then each device can operate independently, but the overall weight and cost increase due to requiring multiple batteries

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebattery interchangeabilityVSAvoidoverall system weight

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The adapter enables a single battery to serve multiple functions by allowing it to power both the upright vacuum cleaner (when attached to the base) and the handheld vacuum cleaner (when detached and attached to the handheld device). This universal battery solution eliminates the need for separate batteries for each device, reducing overall weight while maintaining operational independence.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The adapter acts as an intermediary component that facilitates battery interchangeability between the upright and handheld vacuum cleaners. It provides the connection interface and mechanical coupling mechanism that enables the single battery to be transferred between devices, solving the adaptability-weight contradiction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If separate batteries are used for upright and handheld vacuum cleaners, then each device has dedicated power supply, but the cost increases due to purchasing multiple batteries

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebattery interchangeabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The adapter enables a single battery to serve multiple functions by allowing it to power both the upright vacuum cleaner (when attached to the base) and the handheld vacuum cleaner (when detached and attached to the handheld device). This universal battery solution eliminates the need for separate batteries for each device, reducing overall weight while maintaining operational independence.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The adapter acts as an intermediary component that facilitates battery interchangeability between the upright and handheld vacuum cleaners. It provides the connection interface and mechanical coupling mechanism that enables the single battery to be transferred between devices, solving the adaptability-weight contradiction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If an adapter mechanism with recess and projection is used for battery attachment, then secure connection is achieved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection securityVSAvoidadapter structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The adapter is divided into distinct functional segments: a recess portion that receives the battery and a projection portion that interfaces with the handheld vacuum cleaner. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function while keeping the overall structure simple and manageable, reducing complexity while maintaining connection security.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The projection fits within a corresponding recess, creating a nested connection structure. The projection is received by the recess in a nested manner, providing secure attachment while maintaining a compact and simple adapter design that does not significantly increase device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentUS11653799B2Adapter for vacuum cleaner assembly

Publication Date: 2023.05.23 TECHTRONIC FLOOR CARE TECH LTD

AI summary

A vacuum cleaner assembly includes an upright vacuum cleaner, an adapter, and a handheld accessory. The upright vacuum cleaner includes an upright frame and a connection post. The connection post is coupled to the upright frame. The connection post includes a distal end. The adapter includes a recess and a projection. The distal end of the connection post is removably received in the recess. The projection is opposite the recess. The handheld accessory includes an elongate member. The elongate member includes a nozzle end. At least a portion of the projection is removably received in the nozzle end.