Vacuum conduit attachment tools
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vacuum cleaner attachment tools are not adaptable for use with vacuum hoses or conduits of varying sizes, often requiring separate adapters or tools, and lack locking mechanisms to secure the attachment during use.
Innovation Solution
A vacuum attachment tool with a hollow body and a conduit connector featuring an inner and outer collar, where the outer collar is separately formed and coupled to the inner collar, allowing for compatibility with different conduit sizes and incorporating teeth and ribs for secure locking mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single-size conduit connector is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability to different conduit sizes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The conduit connector is divided into two separate collars: an inner collar and an outer collar. Each collar is designed to receive a specific conduit size, allowing the connector to accommodate multiple conduit diameters through the nested collar structure
Solution Approach 2:
The dual-collar connector design enables a single attachment tool to universally fit multiple conduit sizes. The inner collar receives smaller conduits while the outer collar receives larger conduits, making one connector adaptable to various vacuum system configurations
2Ease of manufacture
If a press-fit connection is used, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the reliability of the connection deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The connection mechanism is segmented into multiple components: the press-fit collar structure for easy assembly, plus separate locking teeth and locking mechanisms that provide secure retention during operation
Solution Approach 2:
The locking teeth act as an intermediary mechanism between the press-fit connection and the conduit. These teeth engage with the conduit to prevent decoupling, bridging the gap between easy manufacture and reliable connection
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate adapters are used for different conduit sizes, then the adaptability to different conduit sizes is improved, but the device complexity and quantity of accessories increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple adapter functions are merged into a single dual-collar connector. The inner and outer collars are coupled together to form one integrated attachment tool that replaces what would otherwise require multiple separate adapters for different conduit sizes
Solution Approach 2:
The unified connector design provides universal compatibility across different conduit sizes, eliminating the need for users to maintain multiple specialized adapters. One connector serves multiple functions for various vacuum hose diameters
Data Source
AI summary
A vacuum conduit pipe adapter includes a hollow body extending from a first end to a second end, a vacuum conduit connector positioned at the second end of the hollow body and operable to connect the vacuum conduit pipe adapter to a vacuum system, and a pipe connector positioned at the first end of the hollow body. The pipe connector includes a plurality of cylindrical fitments, where each fitment is formed circumferentially about a respective central axis and includes an inner surface having an inner diameter sized to receive a pipe having a different diameter than the other fitments. The central axis of each fitment is radially offset from the central axis of each other fitment.