Vacuum conduit attachment tool for connection to different sized vacuum conduits

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vacuum cleaner attachment tools are not adaptable for use with vacuum tubes or hoses of varying sizes, requiring multiple adapters or tools for compatibility, leading to a need for numerous accessories.

Innovation Solution

A vacuum conduit attachment tool with a hollow body and a conduit connector featuring concentric collars of different inner engagement surfaces, allowing selective attachment to vacuum conduits of various diameters, facilitating a single tool for multiple sizes without additional accessories.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a single attachment tool is designed for one specific vacuum conduit size, then the structural design is simple and easy to manufacture, but the adaptability to different conduit sizes is poor

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to different conduit sizesVSAvoidconduit connector structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The conduit connector is designed with multiple engagement surfaces (first inner engagement surface, second inner engagement surface, and outer engagement surface) that can accommodate different conduit outer diameters. This allows a single attachment tool to universally connect to various conduit sizes without requiring multiple specialized tools, directly resolving the contradiction between simplicity and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The conduit connector features nested collars (inner collar within outer collar) where the inner collar defines inner engagement surfaces and the outer collar defines the outer engagement surface. This nested structure enables multiple connection interfaces to be integrated within a compact form, maintaining structural simplicity while achieving multi-size compatibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple adapters or attachment tools are used to accommodate different conduit sizes, then compatibility across all sizes is achieved, but the quantity of accessories required increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompatibility across conduit sizesVSAvoidnumber of accessories

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple adapter functions are merged into a single conduit connector by integrating multiple engagement surfaces (first inner, second inner, and outer engagement surfaces) that can accommodate different conduit sizes. This consolidation eliminates the need for multiple separate adapters or attachment tools, reducing the quantity of accessories from several items to just one versatile tool.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If a conduit connector with multiple engagement surfaces is used, then adaptability to different conduit sizes is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveselective attachment to different diametersVSAvoidconduit connector fabrication

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The nested collar structure (inner collar within outer collar) allows multiple engagement surfaces to be formed in a hierarchical arrangement that is naturally suited for molding or machining processes. The inner collar can be formed first, followed by the outer collar, making the manufacturing sequence logical and efficient despite the multiple surfaces required.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The conduit connector is designed as a universal component with multiple engagement surfaces that can be integrated into a single manufacturing process. By planning the mold or machining operations to create all engagement surfaces (first inner, second inner, and outer) in one go, the manufacturing complexity is minimized while achieving multi-size compatibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

Enables seamless connection to different sized vacuum conduits, reducing the need for multiple accessories and simplifying compatibility, while maintaining structural integrity and friction fit connections.

Implementation Method 1

maintaining structural integrity and friction fit connections

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS10278555B2Vacuum conduit attachment tool for connection to different sized vacuum conduits

Publication Date: 2019.05.07 EMERSON ELECTRIC CO

AI summary

An attachment tool for a vacuum cleaning system includes a hollow body that extends from a first end to a second end and defines a flow path, and a conduit connector disposed at the second end of the body. The first end of the hollow body defines an inlet for receiving debris therethrough. The conduit connector includes an outer collar that defines a first inner engagement surface for connection to an outer diameter of a first vacuum conduit, and an inner collar that is concentric with the outer collar and defines a second inner engagement surface for connection to an outer diameter of a second vacuum conduit smaller than the outer diameter of the first vacuum conduit. The inner collar is axially offset from the outer collar towards the first end of the body.