Vacuum Cleaner Handle Controls for On-the-Fly Brush Mode Switching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional surface cleaning apparatuses lack convenient and ergonomic control mechanisms for adjusting vacuuming modes while in use, often requiring users to manually switch settings or reconfigure components, which can be cumbersome and interrupt cleaning operations.

Innovation Solution

Integration of a handle assembly with main power control and brush control, allowing these controls to be operated by the same hand while directing the surface cleaning head, with adjustable brush motor modes and a light source on the handle for auxiliary cleaning tools, enabling seamless mode changes and improved user experience.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If controls are integrated on the handle assembly, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the main power control and brush control into a single handle assembly, allowing both controls to be operated by the same hand. This merging of control functions into one location improves ease of operation by eliminating the need to switch hands or reach for separate controls, while the integrated design manages the added complexity through compact arrangement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The handle assembly serves multiple functions: it provides structural support for the vacuum cleaner, houses the main power control, contains the brush control, and positions both controls for operation by a single hand. This multi-functionality consolidates several elements into one component, improving operational convenience while managing complexity through functional integration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If brush motor operates in multiple modes, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveadaptabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The brush motor is designed with variable speed capability, allowing it to operate in multiple modes (e.g., high speed for carpets, low speed for hard floors). The brush control on the handle assembly enables dynamic adjustment of motor speed during operation, providing adaptability to different cleaning surfaces while managing complexity through electronic control rather than mechanical switching.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The brush motor's operational parameters (speed) can be changed between multiple modes to adapt to different cleaning requirements. The brush control mechanism allows users to adjust these parameters on-the-fly, providing versatility without requiring physical reconfiguration of the device, thus managing complexity through parameter adjustment rather than structural changes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS9226633B2Surface cleaning apparatus
Publication Date: 2016.01.05 OMACHRON INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY INC
  • US9226633B2 patent drawing
  • US9226633B2 patent drawing
  • US9226633B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A vacuum cleaner is provided with a handle assembly drivingly connected to the surface cleaning head and a main power control and a brush control controllingly coupled to the brush motor is provided on the handle assembly. An surface cleaning apparatus is also provided that includes an air flow path extending from the cleaning head air outlet to the air treatment member air inlet and comprising a flexible electrified air flow conduit and a handle assembly drivingly connected to the surface cleaning head with a light source disposed on the handle assembly.