Battery-operated vacuum cleaner
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Solution Overview
Problem
Battery-operated vacuum cleaners often require users to exert high force due to an unfavorable distribution of weight, which affects ergonomics and maneuverability, particularly when cleaning surfaces other than floors.
Innovation Solution
The components contributing most to the weight, such as the battery, airflow generator, and dirt management system, are strategically positioned to optimize ergonomics by placing the battery between the handle and the airflow generator, with the dirt management system further away from the handle, and the airflow generator adjacent to the battery and lower end of the handle, creating a balanced center of mass that reduces steering nervousness and enhances comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the battery, airflow generator, and dirt management system are positioned in conventional locations, then the device structure is simple, but the user must exert high force and ergonomics deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by positioning each heavy component (battery, airflow generator, dirt management system) at specific locations along the longitudinal axis to create an optimized weight distribution. The battery is placed adjacent to the lower end of the handle, the airflow generator is positioned between the battery and the dirt management system, and the dirt management system is located further from the handle. This localized strategic positioning improves ergonomics by reducing the moment arm without requiring complex structural modifications throughout the entire device.
2Ease of operation
If the center of mass is positioned far from the handle, then component arrangement is simple, but steering becomes nervous and maneuverability worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent addresses maneuverability by considering the longitudinal dimension along the handle axis. By positioning heavy components along this dimension with the battery adjacent to the lower end of the handle and the dirt management system further away, the center of mass is optimized to reduce steering nervousness. This dimensional approach to component arrangement improves maneuverability while maintaining a relatively simple linear layout rather than requiring complex three-dimensional arrangements.
3Ease of operation
If heavy components are positioned close to the handle, then ergonomics improve, but the moment arm decreases and structural stability may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by carefully controlling the longitudinal positions of heavy components to optimize the moment arm parameter. The battery is placed adjacent to the lower end of the handle, the airflow generator is positioned between the battery and the dirt management system, and the dirt management system is located further from the handle. This parameter optimization reduces handling effort while maintaining sufficient moment arm for structural stability, achieving a balance between ergonomics and 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
This configuration reduces the effort required for handling and improves ergonomic properties by positioning the center of mass closer to the handle, making the vacuum cleaner more self-correcting and comfortable to use, especially when moving forward and backward.
Implementation Method 1
an airflow generator for generating an airflow through the dirt management system
Implementation Method 2
a battery having an end that is adjacent to the lower end of the handle
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~9
Figure 10~12
AI summary
A battery-operated vacuum cleaner comprises a handle (H) having a lower end, a battery (B) having an end that is adjacent to the lower end of the handle (H), a dirt management system (DMS) coupled to an inlet (N) for dirt-loaded air; and an airflow generator (AG) for generating an airflow through the dirt management system (DMS), the airflow generator (AG) being positioned adjacent the battery (B) and a lower end of the handle (H). Preferably, the battery (B) is positioned between the handle (H) and the dirt management system DMS. Advantageously, the battery (B) has a first side adjacent to the airflow generator (AG) and a second side adjacent to the dirt management system (DMS).