Vacuum Cleaner Slide-Coupled Handle Design for Simplified Assembly
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Handy cleaners face challenges in assembly due to the difficulty in combining and connecting small-sized PCBs and wires, which complicates the assembly process and increases the size of terminals needed for power and signal transmission.
Innovation Solution
A cleaner design featuring a slide-coupled handle unit to the main body with separate terminals for power and signal, eliminating the need for screw-based assembly and reducing terminal size by integrating the PCB within the handle unit and guiding wires internally.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the PCB and wires are connected through the body in traditional assembly, then power and control signals can be transmitted, but the assembly process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the cleaner into three main segments: handle unit, body, and suction unit. Each segment can be assembled and tested independently before final assembly, with the handle unit containing the battery and main PCB, the body containing the motor and dust collection system, and the suction unit containing the nozzle and extension pipe. This segmentation allows parallel assembly processes and reduces the complexity of final assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the PCB and wire connection processes from the final assembly step. The handle unit is pre-assembled with its internal PCB connections, and the body is pre-assembled with its internal wiring. This extraction allows the PCB and wires to be connected within sub-assemblies before final assembly, significantly reducing the complexity of the main assembly process.
2Strength
If the handle unit is screw-coupled to the main body, then a secure connection is achieved, but the assembly process requires additional steps and tools
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the traditional screw-coupling mechanical system with a snap-fit coupling system. The handle unit and body are connected through complementary geometric features that engage through simple insertion and twisting motions, eliminating the need for screws, nuts, and threading tools. This substitution maintains connection strength while dramatically simplifying the assembly process and reducing the need for specialized tools.
3Quantity of substance
If terminals are used for both power and control signals, then connection points are established, but the terminal size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the electrical connections into separate power terminals and control signal terminals. The battery connects to the motor through dedicated power terminals that handle high current, while the PCB connects through separate control signal terminals that handle low-current signaling. This segmentation allows each terminal to be optimized for its specific function, reducing the overall size and complexity of the terminal design.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a two-dimensional terminal layout to a three-dimensional wiring architecture. Power and control signal connections are routed through different spatial paths and layers within the handle unit and body, allowing terminals to be positioned and sized independently based on their specific electrical requirements rather than being constrained by a flat terminal block layout.
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
Simplifies the assembly process, reduces terminal size, and ensures that wires are not visible externally, even if the dust container is transparent, enhancing user convenience and aesthetics.
Implementation Method 1
a suction motor generating suction force to suck air through the suction unit
Implementation Method 2
a dust separation unit for separating dust from air guided through the suction unit
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A cleaner includes: a suction unit that guides dust and air; a main body that includes a dust separation unit for separating dust from air guided through the suction unit; a main body terminal mounted on the main body; a handle unit that is slide-coupled to the main body; and a handle terminal mounted on the handle unit and is connected to the main body terminal when the handle unit is slide-coupled to the main body.