Vacuum cleaner
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Solution Overview
Problem
Battery powered vacuum cleaners often have exposed charging plugs that are aesthetically unpleasing and prone to being misplaced, as they protrude from the device and are not securely integrated into the design.
Innovation Solution
A moveable plug assembly that can be retracted into the vacuum cleaner's housing, forming a seamless outer surface and being retained within a recess, with a power converter to convert AC power to DC for battery charging, reducing the likelihood of the plug being lost and enhancing the device's appearance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the charging plug is exposed and protrudes from the vacuum cleaner, then it is easily accessible for charging, but it creates an aesthetically unpleasing appearance and is prone to being misplaced
Solution Approach 1:
The charging plug assembly is nested within a recess in the vacuum cleaner housing. The recess is configured to receive the plug assembly when it is in the retracted position, allowing the plug to be stored inside the device body rather than protruding externally. This nesting approach maintains aesthetic appearance while preserving charging functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The charging plug assembly is made movable between a retracted position (nested in the recess) and an extended position (protruding for charging). This dynamic configuration allows the plug to transition between states that optimize both aesthetic appearance and ease of operation, resolving the contradiction between these two requirements.
2Ease of operation
If the charging plug is exposed and protrudes from the vacuum cleaner, then it is easily accessible for charging, but it increases the likelihood of the plug being lost or misplaced
Solution Approach 1:
The recess in the housing provides a designated storage space for the charging plug assembly when not in use. This nesting structure ensures the plug remains attached to the device and cannot be lost or misplaced, while still allowing easy access when charging is needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable design allows the plug to be easily extended for charging while automatically returning to or being retained in the recess when retracted, providing both accessibility and security against loss.
3Shape
If the plug assembly is integrated into the housing with a recess, then it provides a sleek appearance and reduces misplacement, but it adds structural complexity to the housing design
Solution Approach 1:
The recess is integrated directly into the housing structure, creating a nested configuration where the plug assembly fits within the existing housing geometry. This approach achieves the sleek appearance goal while minimizing additional structural complexity by utilizing the housing space efficiently.
4Shape
If the plug assembly is moveable between retracted and extended positions, then it resolves the aesthetic and retention issues, but it requires additional mechanical components for movement
Solution Approach 1:
The plug assembly is designed with movable components that enable transition between retracted and extended positions. This dynamic capability resolves the aesthetic appearance issue by allowing the plug to be nested within the housing, while the mechanical complexity is managed through straightforward movement mechanisms.
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 provides a sleek appearance and reduces the risk of the plug being misplaced by integrating it into the vacuum cleaner's design, while ensuring efficient charging of the battery through the conversion of AC power to DC power.
Implementation Method 1
The plug assembly includes a power converter in the body in electrical communication with the electrical connector configured to convert AC power from the AC power source to DC power to charge the battery
Data Source
AI summary
A vacuum cleaner comprising a housing, a suction source, a dirt collection chamber in fluid communication with the suction source, a battery to provide power to the suction source, and a plug assembly having a body and an electrical connector in electrical communication with the battery via a cord. The plug assembly is configured to receive power from an AC power source to charge the battery. The plug assembly is moveable between a first position, in which the plug assembly is outside the housing and a second position in which the plug assembly is received in the housing. When the plug assembly is in the second position, the body of the plug assembly forms an outer surface of the housing.