Vacuum Cleaner Nozzle V-Shaped Scraper for Large Waste and Wall Access

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vacuum cleaner nozzles face issues with suction efficiency due to accumulation of large debris, which affects the suction of both large waste and small particles like dust, and have a bulky design making it difficult to clean along walls or plinths.

Innovation Solution

A vacuum cleaner nozzle with a front scraping member featuring elongated branches inclined at an angle of 165° to 178°, including lateral passage openings and notched zones, to direct large waste towards a central passage while minimizing accumulation and frontal size, ensuring effective suction of both large and small debris.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the angle of inclination between the first and second scraping branches is increased (e.g., 135°), then large waste can be rapidly directed towards the central passage opening, but waste accumulation occurs at the central passage opening and the nozzle requires large frontal space

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesuction efficiency for large wasteVSAvoidwaste accumulation at central passage opening
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the angle of inclination parameter from the conventional 135° to a narrower range of 150°-170°. This parameter modification optimizes the balance between directing large waste efficiently toward the central passage opening and preventing waste accumulation, while also reducing the frontal space requirement of the nozzle.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If the central passage opening width is increased to prevent waste accumulation, then large waste suction is improved, but suction losses occur for very small waste such as dust or flour

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesuction of large wasteVSAvoidsuction losses for small particles
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces lateral passage openings in addition to the central passage opening, creating a multi-channel suction system. The central passage maintains a moderate width suitable for small particles, while the lateral passages handle large waste, thus preventing waste accumulation without causing suction losses for dust and flour.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Productivity

If the angle of inclination is 135° to achieve rapid waste movement, then large waste is efficiently channeled, but the nozzle has large frontal space requirement making it difficult to clean along walls

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverapid waste movement towards central passageVSAvoidaccessibility for cleaning along walls and baseboards
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

By reducing the angle of inclination between the scraping branches to 150°-170°, the patent narrows the frontal profile of the nozzle while maintaining its ability to direct waste effectively toward the suction channel, thereby improving accessibility for cleaning along walls and baseboards.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 solution enhances suction efficiency by preventing waste accumulation, maintaining effective suction of large waste like rice grains or lentils, and allows for easier cleaning along surfaces like walls and plinths without compromising suction of small particles.

Implementation Method 1

a suction channel opening into the lower face of the sole... allow suction of waste through the central passage opening and in the direction of the suction channel

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSuction: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentEP4129137B1Vacuum cleaner nozzle provided with a v-shaped front scraping member
Publication Date: 2024.04.17 SEB SA
  • EP4129137B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4129137B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4129137B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

The vacuum cleaner nozzle (2) includes a sole (3) having a lower face (4) and a suction channel (5) opening into the lower face (4);and a front scraping member (13) located at the front of a front edge of the suction channel (5) and delimiting at least in part a central passage opening (16) which is fluidly connected to the suction channel (5), the front scraping member (13) having an overall V-shape with an apex oriented towards a central part of the suction channel (5), the front scraping member (13) comprising a first scraping branch (14) extending along a first extension direction (De1) and a second scraping branch (15) extending along a second extension direction (De2), the first and second scraping branches (14, 15) being configured to direct waste, coming into contact with the front scraping member (13) during a forward movement of the vacuum nozzle (2), towards the central passage opening (16).