Vacuum Cleaner Conduit Equipped With a Hinge Device
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Upright vacuum cleaner conduits are complex to handle due to the placement of the unlocking button and locking member, making it difficult for users to fold and unfold the conduit, especially for those with accessibility issues.
Innovation Solution
The unlocking button and locking member are positioned diametrically opposed relative to the hinge device, allowing for easier operation by being on the same side, with a sliding mechanism that simplifies the design and reduces bulk, enabling users to fold and unfold the conduit with ergonomic ease.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the unlocking button and locking member are positioned on the same side diametrically opposite to the hinge device, then the structure is simplified and bulk is reduced, but the operation becomes more complex requiring pressure in opposite directions
Solution Approach 1:
The unlocking button and locking member are positioned asymmetrically on the same side of the conduit, diametrically opposite to the hinge device. This asymmetric arrangement simplifies the overall structure by eliminating the need for components to be distributed across opposite sides, reducing bulk while maintaining functional effectiveness.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the unlocking button is located in a lower part of the vacuum cleaner conduit opposite the hinge device, then the structural balance is improved, but the accessibility to the unlocking button becomes difficult for certain users
Solution Approach 1:
The unlocking button is repositioned from a lower location to the upper part of the conduit assembly, changing its spatial dimension relative to the user interface. This dimensional repositioning improves accessibility for users while maintaining structural balance through the diametrically opposite placement relative to the hinge device.
3Reliability
If pressure is exerted on the unlocking button in one direction and on the conduit part in the opposite direction, then the locking mechanism functions correctly, but the handling proves complex for some users
Solution Approach 1:
The unlocking button and locking member are merged into the same side assembly, allowing both components to be operated from a single location. This merging maintains the reliability of the locking mechanism through proper mechanical engagement while reducing handling complexity by consolidating controls.
Data Source
AI summary
The vacuum cleaner conduit includes first and second rigid conduit parts; a hinge device configured to allow a pivoting of the first and second rigid conduit parts between unfolded and folded configurations; a locking member configured to lock the first and second rigid conduit parts in the unfolded configuration, the locking member being movably mounted between locking and release positions; and an unlocking button slidably mounted between a rest position and an unlocking position, and configured to displace the locking member into the release position. The unlocking button and the hinge device are located on the same side of the vacuum cleaner conduit which is substantially diametrically opposite to the side of the vacuum cleaner conduit where the locking member is located.