Vacuum hose adaptor

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Solution Overview

Problem

Converting an upright vacuum cleaner to a hose mode and back requires numerous labor-intensive steps, making the process cumbersome and inconvenient.

Innovation Solution

A vacuum hose adaptor with a housing body, swivel wheels, locking mechanism, and pivotal arm assembly that simplifies the conversion process to and from hose operation with only two steps each way, providing stability and ease of use.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the traditional conversion process is used to switch between upright mode and hose mode, then the vacuum cleaner can perform both functions, but the process requires numerous labor-intensive steps (at least 10 steps) and significant time

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemode conversion capabilityVSAvoidconversion process simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The invention divides the conversion process into two independent segments: (1) attaching the hose adaptor to the vacuum cleaner body, and (2) connecting the vacuum hose to the adaptor. This segmentation allows each step to be simple and quick, eliminating the need for complex multi-step procedures involving belt lifters, clamps, and nozzle removal.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The hose adaptor serves as an intermediary component between the vacuum cleaner body and the vacuum hose. This mediator enables the connection of the hose to the vacuum without requiring removal or reconfiguration of the main nozzle assembly, thus simplifying the conversion process while maintaining both upright and hose functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the traditional conversion process is used, then both upright and hose modes are achievable, but the process is time-consuming and labor-intensive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedual mode operationVSAvoidconversion time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The hose adaptor is pre-configured with the female hose coupler and attachment mechanism before use. This preliminary preparation allows the user to simply snap the adaptor onto the vacuum and connect the hose without performing complex intermediate steps, dramatically reducing conversion time while enabling both upright and hose modes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of requiring the hose to be connected directly to the vacuum body (which would require complex disassembly), the invention inverts the approach by having the adaptor connect to the vacuum first, then the hose connects to the adaptor. This reversal of the connection sequence simplifies the entire process and reduces time investment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the main nozzle is removed and placed out of the way during hose operation, then hose mode can be achieved, but this adds labor-intensive steps and creates instability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehose mode functionalityVSAvoidvacuum stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The hose adaptor is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides the connection interface for the vacuum hose, maintains structural stability during hose operation, and allows the vacuum to remain in its upright position without requiring removal of the nozzle assembly. This multi-functionality eliminates the need to move or remove components, preserving stability while enabling hose mode.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Adaptability or versatility

If complex conversion steps are required, then complete mode switching is achievable, but the process becomes cumbersome and less convenient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemode switching capabilityVSAvoidconversion mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts the hose connection functionality from the main nozzle assembly and places it in a separate, dedicated hose adaptor. This extraction allows the nozzle to remain attached to the vacuum body while the hose connects independently through the adaptor, simplifying the conversion process and reducing the complexity of the overall system while maintaining full adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentUS12414663B1Vacuum hose adaptor

Publication Date: 2025.09.16 RAGNER GARY

AI summary

A vacuum hose adaptor (20) having a suction air channel (24) defined between a sealing plate (25) and a male hose coupler (22). The sealing plate (25) is designed to make a relatively air tight seal against the bottom plate (58) (i.e., rotary brush opening, suction inlet) on the bottom of a main nozzle (55) on an upright vacuum cleaner (50) and may use one or more locking mechanisms (26) for temporarily holding the sealing plate (25) against the bottom plate (58) of the main nozzle (55). A vacuum hose (60) can be removably attached to the male hose coupler (22) so that suction air produced by the upright vacuum cleaner (50) can be conducted from the upright vacuum cleaner (50) through the main nozzle (55), through the suction air channel (24), through the male hose coupler (22) and through the vacuum hose (60) for use.