Vacuum Cleaner Handle Gravity Compensation Using Sliding Members
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vacuum cleaners with gravity compensation mechanisms struggle to precisely compensate torque due to gravity, leading to increased user burden and operating force, especially when tilting the handle unit during cleaning.
Innovation Solution
A vacuum cleaner equipped with a gravity compensation apparatus featuring an elastic member connected to the handle unit, a sliding member for maintaining constant compensation force direction, and a control system that adjusts the compensation force using a control pulley and motor, along with a weight balancing mechanism to shift the center of gravity, ensuring precise torque compensation and reduced user effort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a torsion spring is used to compensate torque due to gravity, then the burden on the user is reduced to some extent, but the torque compensation precision is insufficient because the magnitude of gravity torque and elastic torque change independently according to tilt angle
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the elastic member movable relative to the handle unit through a sliding mechanism. The elastic member can translate along the handle unit's longitudinal axis while maintaining its elastic force generation capability. This dynamic configuration allows the elastic force to consistently counterbalance gravity torque across varying tilt angles, resolving the contradiction between reducing user burden and achieving precise torque compensation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a sliding member as an intermediary between the elastic member and the handle unit. This sliding member enables the elastic member to move independently while maintaining proper engagement, allowing the elastic force to be transmitted effectively to counterbalance gravity torque. The intermediary mechanism facilitates precise torque compensation by decoupling the elastic member's movement from the handle unit's rotation.
2Device complexity
If the elastic member is fixed to the handle unit, then the structure is simple, but the compensation force direction cannot remain constant regardless of handle unit angle
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the fixed connection into a dynamic sliding connection. The elastic member is configured to slide along the handle unit's longitudinal axis while remaining engaged through the sliding member. This dynamic arrangement allows the elastic member to maintain a constant compensation force direction relative to gravity regardless of the handle unit's tilt angle, while adding minimal structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent solves the direction consistency problem by introducing movement along a different dimension. Instead of fixing the elastic member in a single position, it allows translation along the longitudinal axis of the handle unit. This dimensional freedom enables the elastic member to adjust its position while maintaining constant force direction, effectively decoupling the force direction from the handle unit's rotational angle.
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 solution effectively compensates torque due to gravity, reducing user burden and allowing for easier design of the elastic member, enabling precise and active operation in the intended direction, thereby decreasing the operating force required during cleaning.
Implementation Method 1
a torsion spring to support elasticity of the main cleaning body with one end fixed on the shaft and the other end fixed on the brush assembly, and compensates torque due to gravity applied to the main cleaning body with elastic force of the torsion spring
Implementation Method 2
a sliding member for making translational movement in conjunction with turning motion of the handle unit to keep the compensation force in a constant direction regardless of an angle of the handle unit
Implementation Method 3
The direction of the compensation force may be kept in the gravity direction, regardless of the angle of the handle unit
Data Source
AI summary
In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a cleaner includes a gravity compensation apparatus for applying compensation force to a handle unit, the gravity compensation apparatus having an elastic member connected to one side of the handle unit to generate compensation force and a sliding member for making translational movement in conjunction with turning motion of the handle unit to keep the compensation force in a constant direction regardless of an angle of the handle unit. The torque due to gravity applied to a handle unit of a vacuum cleaner may be precisely compensated, thereby relieving the burden of the user from the weight of the handle unit while the user holds the handle unit for cleaning.