Vacuum cleaning systems and methods with integral vacuum assisted hose storage system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vacuum cleaning systems face challenges in efficiently storing long hoses when not in use, requiring improved methods to manage hose length and storage space effectively.
Innovation Solution
A vacuum system with a storage tray and hose assembly that includes a storage chamber with serpentine portions, where the hose is retracted using a vacuum-assisted mechanism, allowing for compact storage and easy deployment when needed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the hose length is increased to service larger cleaning areas, then the cleaning area coverage is improved, but the storage space requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hose is nested within the storage chamber, with the hose coiled or folded to fit inside the chamber volume. This allows the long hose to be contained within a compact storage space, resolving the contradiction between hose length for coverage and storage space requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The storage chamber utilizes three-dimensional space efficiently, arranging the hose in a coiled or serpentine configuration that maximizes volume utilization. This dimensional arrangement allows long hose storage without proportionally increasing the storage chamber's external dimensions
2Productivity
If a vacuum-assisted retraction mechanism is used to retract the hose, then the hose storage efficiency is improved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The vacuum system itself provides the retraction force by creating a pressure differential that pulls the hose into the storage chamber. The system serves its own hose storage need without requiring a separate motorized retraction mechanism, thereby improving storage efficiency while minimizing additional system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The vacuum-assisted retraction utilizes pneumatic pressure differential created by the vacuum system to retract the hose. This pneumatic mechanism provides efficient hose retraction without complex mechanical components, resolving the contradiction between storage efficiency and system complexity
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 enables efficient storage and retrieval of the hose, maintaining a compact system design while allowing for extended cleaning areas, enhancing usability and space management.
Implementation Method 1
a vacuum or motorized mechanical drive system may be applied to the hose itself such that a retraction force is applied to the hose
Implementation Method 2
a vacuum-assisted mechanism, allowing for compact storage
Data Source
AI summary
A vacuum system comprising a storage tray, a vacuum assembly, and a hose. The storage tray defines a storage chamber comprising an inlet portion defining a storage chamber inlet, an outlet portion defining a storage chamber outlet, a first portion in communication with the inlet portion, a second portion in communication with the outlet portion, and an intermediate portion in communication with the first and second portions. The intermediate portion is configured such that the first and second portions are adjacent to each other. The vacuum assembly is operatively connected to the storage chamber outlet. When the hose is in a stored position, at least a portion of the hose is arranged within the first portion, the intermediate portion, and the second portion of the storage chamber. When the vacuum system is in use, at least a portion of the hose is arranged outside of the storage chamber.