Vacuum cleaner nozzle assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vacuum cleaner nozzles face difficulties in removing debris, particularly during the backward stroke, due to inefficiencies in suction performance and issues with relative positioning and movement of slides.
Innovation Solution
The proposed nozzle assembly features a curved housing profile, a pattern of openings in the slides, and a wheel placement that maintains consistent sealing and suction efficiency across varying angles of inclination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If existing nozzle designs are used, then the structure is simple, but debris removal efficiency is poor especially during backward stroke
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle is divided into multiple functional segments: a front slide with curved surface for sealing, a rear slide with brush roll for agitation, and a housing with optimized ductwork. Each segment performs a specific function that contributes to overall debris removal efficiency, allowing the complex cleaning action to be achieved through coordinated simple components
Solution Approach 2:
The front slide incorporates a curved sealing surface that conforms to the curvature of the floor, maintaining consistent contact and sealing across varying angles of inclination. This curved geometry enables effective sealing and debris collection during both forward and backward strokes without requiring complex adjustment mechanisms
2Reliability
If the nozzle maintains contact with the floor for sealing, then sealing is effective, but the nozzle cannot accommodate changes in inclination angle
Solution Approach 1:
The front slide's curved sealing surface is designed with a radius of curvature that matches typical floor surfaces, allowing it to maintain conformal contact and effective sealing across a range of inclination angles. The curvature enables the seal to adapt to angle changes without losing contact effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The nozzle assembly allows dynamic adjustment of the front slide position relative to the housing, enabling the sealing surface to maintain optimal contact with the floor regardless of inclination angle changes. This dynamic capability provides adaptability to varying operating conditions while preserving sealing reliability
3Strength
If the top portion of housing is made tall for structural integrity, then strength is improved, but air velocity and suction efficiency decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is designed with varying wall thicknesses and structural reinforcement at specific locations where strength is most needed, rather than uniformly thick walls throughout. This allows the housing to maintain structural integrity while minimizing the overall height of the top portion to preserve air velocity and suction efficiency in the airflow path
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 design enhances suction efficiency, power consumption, overall efficiency, and debris removal rates by optimizing air velocity and minimizing pressure loss and noise.
Implementation Method 1
a nozzle assembly for use with a vacuum device for cleaning a surface
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~7
AI summary
A nozzle assembly (10) for use with a vacuum device includes a housing (12), a neck (28), and a front slide (30, 30'). The housing defines a duct extending therethrough. The neck is connected to and extends from a portion of the housing, wherein the neck is configured to connect to the vacuum device. The front slide is mounted to a forward edge of the housing. The front slide is positioned to remain out of contact with the floor as an inclination angle of the nozzle assembly changes during operation of the nozzle assembly. The inclination angle of the nozzle assembly comprises an angle between the floor and a plane defined by a downward facing opening defined by the housing.