Vacuum Handle Pivot Assist for Easier Return-to-Center Steering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing floor treatment devices with pivotable handles can be cumbersome for users, especially when the handle and attached components like dirt containers and fans are pivoted, as the weight makes it difficult to return to the center position, leading to user fatigue from repeatedly lifting the handle.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a pivot assist device that applies a bias force to the handle to facilitate its return to a central position, reducing the effective weight and effort required from the user, allowing the handle to pivot more easily and efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the handle is made pivotable to allow steering, then the ease of operation is improved, but the weight of the handle and attached components makes it difficult to return to center position
Solution Approach 1:
The pivot assist device functions as a counterweight mechanism by using a spring-loaded cam follower system that generates an opposing force to the weight of the handle and attached components. When the handle is pivoted to a side position, the cam follower rides up the cam surface, and the spring force creates a moment that urges the handle back toward the center position, effectively counteracting the gravitational moment caused by the weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the mechanical parameter of handle rotation by introducing a pivot assist mechanism that modifies the moment of force required to rotate the handle. The cam profile and spring constant are designed to provide variable assistance throughout the range of motion, making it easier to return the handle to center while maintaining controllability during steering operations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the handle is pivoted to side positions for steering, then the adaptability is improved, but the repeated lifting of the handle weight causes user fatigue
Solution Approach 1:
The pivot assist device provides continuous counterbalancing force that reduces the effective weight the user must lift when returning the handle to center position. This counterweight mechanism distributes the effort across multiple steering operations, significantly reducing cumulative user fatigue while maintaining full adaptability for steering maneuvers.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded cam mechanism provides automatic self-service by continuously generating the restoring moment needed to return the handle to center position without requiring active user effort. The system serves itself by using the displacement from center to compress the spring, which then automatically drives the handle back to center when the steering input is released.
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
The pivot assist device simplifies the handling of floor treatment devices by reducing the effort needed to pivot and return the handle to its central position, making it easier to maneuver and reducing user fatigue, especially when handling heavier components.
Implementation Method 1
a pivot assist device that applies a bias to the handle portion that urges the part of the handle portion to move from the second position to the first position
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for influencing movement of a handle of a floor treatment device, such as a vacuum. The floor treatment device may include a handle portion that is attached to a base, which includes a floor treatment portion. The handle portion may be pivotally movable about a rotation axis relative to the base between at least first and second positions, where the rotation axis lies in a vertical plane that includes a longitudinal axis of the handle when the handle portion is in the first position and the longitudinal axis is a non-vertical position. A pivot assist device may apply a bias to the handle portion that urges the handle portion to move from the second position to the first position, e.g., to help support the weight of the handle when a user steers the floor treatment device across a floor.