Vacuum Cleaner Brake Assembly for Base Stability When Leaned
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hand-held surface cleaning apparatuses tend to tilt or fall when leaned against a wall due to the movement of their lower portions, causing user dissatisfaction.
Innovation Solution
A brake assembly is integrated into the base assembly, allowing it to be moved between a locked and unlocked position, where in the locked position, it restrains the wheels from rotating, preventing unintended movement and allowing the device to be securely positioned against a surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the base assembly is made lightweight and mobile for easy operation, then ease of operation is improved, but stability when leaned against a wall deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The brake assembly is designed as a movable component that can dynamically switch between locked and unlocked positions. It includes a brake arm that can rotate between a first position (engaging the wheel to prevent rotation) and a second position (disengaged from the wheel). This dynamic configuration allows the base assembly to transition between mobile and stable states, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and stability.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the brake assembly is added to prevent movement, then stability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The brake assembly utilizes the weight of the upper portion of the surface cleaning apparatus to automatically engage with the brake arm when the apparatus is leaned against a wall. This self-servicing mechanism eliminates the need for additional actuators, sensors, or control systems, thereby maintaining simplicity while achieving the desired stability.
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
The brake assembly effectively prevents the base assembly from sliding or rotating, ensuring the vacuum cleaner remains stable and upright, reducing the risk of it falling or tilting during use.
Implementation Method 1
a brake assembly (100) integrated into the base assembly (34) and configured to be moveable between at least a first position and a second position. When the brake assembly is in the first position, at least a portion of the brake assembly can restrain movement of the base (34) of the surface cleaning apparatus
Data Source
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AI summary
A surface cleaning apparatus such as a vacuum cleaner (10) includes a suction source (18), a recovery container 920), and a base assembly (34) with at least one agitator (26) within an agitator chamber (74). The recovery container (20) can be coupled to a separator assembly (21) configured to remove dirt and debris from working fluid through the vacuum cleaner (10). In addition, a brake assembly (100, 200, 300, 400) can be provided on an upper portion of the base assembly (34) and be configured to engage at least one wheel (58) of the base assembly (34).