Wheels having shock absorbing characteristics and a surface treatment apparatus using the same
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Solution Overview
Problem
Rigid wheels on surface treatment apparatuses, such as vacuum cleaners, transmit impact forces to operators when encountering obstacles, leading to operator fatigue and discomfort, and can generate noise.
Innovation Solution
The wheels are designed with a resiliently deformable absorber, such as arcuate spokes, that absorb energy by deforming between the hub and rim, allowing the rim to move relative to the hub without substantial deformation, and a deformation limiter to prevent permanent deformation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If rigid wheels are used to support the weight of the surface treatment apparatus, then the structural strength and stability are improved, but impact forces are transmitted to the operator causing fatigue and discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The wheel is divided into three main segments: a rigid rim, a rigid hub, and a deformable absorber (spokes) connecting them. This segmentation allows different parts to have different mechanical properties - the rim and hub remain rigid to support weight, while the absorber deforms to absorb impact forces, preventing force transmission to the operator.
Solution Approach 2:
The absorber is designed with specific geometric parameters (arcuate shape, varying thickness) that change its deformation characteristics. The absorber's cross-sectional thickness varies along its length, allowing it to deform in a controlled manner under impact loads while maintaining structural integrity during normal operation.
2Reliability
If rigid wheels are used to maintain structural integrity, then the wheel durability is improved, but noise is generated when encountering obstacles
Solution Approach 1:
The deformable absorber acts as a pre-configured cushioning element between the rigid rim and hub. When the wheel encounters an obstacle, the absorber deforms to absorb impact energy before it can be transmitted as noise-generating vibrations to the wheel structure and operator, thereby reducing noise while maintaining durability.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a deformable absorber is added to the wheel structure, then impact absorption is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The absorber is merged with the wheel structure as an integrated component rather than a separate attachment. The arcuate spokes form a unified structure with the rim and hub, creating a single-piece or pre-assembled wheel assembly that absorbs impact while maintaining structural coherence, thereby minimizing the increase in device complexity.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If the absorber is made highly deformable to maximize impact absorption, then shock reduction is improved, but permanent deformation may occur reducing reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The absorber exhibits different mechanical properties at different locations - the varying thickness along the spoke length creates local quality differences. Thicker sections provide structural support and resist permanent deformation, while thinner sections allow greater deformation for shock absorption, achieving both shock reduction and reliability.
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 operator fatigue and noise by minimizing the transmission of impact forces and preventing permanent deformation, ensuring the wheels remain functional and effective.
Implementation Method 1
An absorber (e.g., a plurality of arcuate spokes) can extend between the hub and the rim. The absorber can be configured to be resiliently deformable in response to the wheel encountering an obstacle
Data Source
AI summary
A vacuum cleaner can include an upright section, a surface cleaning head coupled to the upright section, and at least one wheel coupled to the surface cleaning head. The at least one wheel can include a hub, a rim, and an absorber. The absorber can extend between the hub and the rim. The absorber can be configured to deform before the rim experiences substantial deformation. A deformation limiter can be provided that is configured to limit the deformation in the absorber.