Vacuum Hose Storage Chamber With Offset Trays for Compact Retraction
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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 and retract the hose into a compact storage chamber.
Innovation Solution
A vacuum hose storage system comprising a tray assembly with offset reference planes, where a first tray and a second tray engage a middle tray to form a storage chamber with a hose storage structure, utilizing a vacuum-assisted mechanism to retract the hose into the chamber, allowing for compact storage and easy retrieval.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of moving object
If a long hose is used to increase cleaning area, then the cleaning area increases, but the storage complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hose is nested within a storage chamber formed by multiple trays, with the hose fitting inside the chamber space. This nesting approach allows the long hose to be contained within a compact structure, resolving the contradiction between having a long hose for large cleaning area and managing its storage complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The storage chamber utilizes vertical stacking of multiple trays (first tray, middle tray, second tray) to create three-dimensional storage space. This dimensional approach allows the hose to be stored in a compact vertical arrangement rather than requiring extensive horizontal space, thereby reducing storage complexity while maintaining hose length for large cleaning area.
2Productivity
If a vacuum assisted retraction system is used to retract the hose, then the hose retraction efficiency improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A vacuum assisted retraction system is implemented where vacuum pressure is applied to the hose within the storage chamber to retract the hose automatically. This pneumatic approach significantly improves hose retraction efficiency compared to manual methods, while the vacuum system integration keeps the added complexity manageable within the overall device architecture.
3Volume of stationary object
If multiple trays are used to form the storage chamber, then the storage capacity increases, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The storage chamber is segmented into multiple discrete trays (first tray, middle tray, second tray) that can be manufactured separately and then assembled together. This segmentation allows each tray to be produced using standard manufacturing processes, and the modular design simplifies assembly while achieving the required storage capacity for the hose.
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 system effectively retracts and stores the hose in a compact manner, optimizing space and facilitating easy extraction, thereby enhancing the usability and storage efficiency of vacuum cleaning systems.
Implementation Method 1
Operation of the vacuum assembly draws air through the vacuum inlet port, the common chamber, and the debris chamber
Implementation Method 2
utilizing a vacuum-assisted mechanism to retract the hose into the chamber
Data Source
AI summary
A vacuum hose system has a tray assembly and a hose. The tray assembly is made of a first tray defining a plurality of first tray cavity surface portions, a middle tray defining a plurality of first middle cavity surface portions and a plurality of second middle cavity surface portions, and a second tray defining a plurality of second tray cavity surface portions. The first tray engages the middle tray to define a first portion of a storage chamber. The second tray engages the middle tray portion to define a second portion of the storage chamber. First and second reference planes extending through the first and second portions of the storage chamber are offset from each other. When the hose is in a stored position, at least part of the hose lies in each of the first and second portions of the storage chamber.