Vacuum Hose Clip Coupler for Quick Attachment Changes

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Solution Overview

Problem

The frequent uncoupling and recoupling of suction hoses with vacuum cleaners introduce complications and additional steps when using cleaning attachments, even when the hose is integrated with the device.

Innovation Solution

A hose clip system comprising a coupler and a hose ring with a protrusion that can be repeatedly coupled and uncoupled by applying a force, allowing the suction hose to be securely attached and detached from the vacuum cleaner without interfering with its operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the suction hose is integrated with the vacuum cleaner, then the hose remains connected during attachment changes, but the frequent uncoupling and recoupling still introduce complications and additional steps

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of attachment changeVSAvoidcomplexity of uncoupling process

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The hose clip system is divided into separate components: a coupler that remains attached to the vacuum cleaner body, and a hose ring that attaches to the suction hose. This segmentation allows the hose to stay connected to the vacuum cleaner while enabling easy attachment and detachment of cleaning tools without complex uncoupling procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The coupler is pre-installed on the vacuum cleaner body at the suction port, and the hose ring is pre-installed on the suction hose. This preliminary action ensures that when a cleaning attachment is changed, the hose remains securely connected to the vacuum cleaner through the pre-positioned coupler, eliminating the need for frequent uncoupling and recoupling operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If the suction hose is frequently connected and disconnected, then cleaning attachments can be changed, but additional complications and steps are introduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to change cleaning attachmentsVSAvoidtime for uncoupling and recoupling

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The hose clip system acts as an intermediary mechanism between the suction hose and the vacuum cleaner body. The coupler and hose ring engage with each other to secure the hose, allowing cleaning attachments to be changed without requiring the hose to be disconnected from the vacuum cleaner, thus saving time and reducing complications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If a secure attachment mechanism is used, then the hose remains firmly connected, but the uncoupling process becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecurity of hose connectionVSAvoidease of uncoupling

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The hose clip system incorporates dynamic elements that allow it to transition between a locked secure state during normal operation and an easily opened state for uncoupling. The protrusion and recess geometry, combined with the biasing member, creates a mechanism that is secure during use but can be quickly released when needed, balancing reliability with ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS11259674B2Hose clip arrangement for use with cleaning device and/or other devices

Publication Date: 2022.03.01 SHARKNINJA OPERATING LLC

AI summary

A hose clip for coupling at least a portion of a suction hose to a support structure of a vacuum cleaning apparatus may include a protrusion and a coupler. The coupler may include a coupler housing having an opening for receiving at least a portion of the protrusion. The opening may transition from an outer surface of the coupler housing into a coupler cavity defined by the coupler housing. The coupler cavity may include a plurality of jaws for engaging at least a portion of the protrusion.