Central Vacuum Hose Storage With Vacuum Retraction and Power Feed
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Solution Overview
Problem
Central vacuum systems face challenges with hose storage and maintenance, including inconvenience in moving and storing hoses of varying lengths, high maintenance costs due to complex installation processes, and the inability to use hoses with electric cleaning heads due to lack of high voltage connections.
Innovation Solution
A vacuum inlet valve with a hose storage area, high voltage connection, and a manually operated switch that allows for easy storage and retrieval of hoses, providing a vacuum seal to prevent degradation and enabling the use of electric cleaning heads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If hoses are permanently stored in the wall, then hose accessibility is improved, but installation complexity and maintenance cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The hose storage system is segmented into modular components: a removable hose end portion that can be detached and stored separately in wall-mounted compartments, while the main hose remains accessible. This segmentation simplifies installation compared to complete permanent embedding while maintaining accessibility benefits.
Solution Approach 2:
The hose end portion is extracted from complete permanent wall storage, allowing it to be removed and stored in dedicated wall compartments when not in use. This partial extraction approach provides accessibility without requiring complex full-retraction mechanisms, reducing installation complexity while maintaining ease of operation.
2Ease of operation
If hoses are permanently stored in the wall, then hose accessibility is improved, but maintenance difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hose end portion is designed to be extractable from wall storage compartments, enabling easy removal for cleaning, inspection, and replacement. This extraction capability maintains accessibility benefits while completely resolving maintenance difficulties by allowing users to freely access and service the hose without complex disassembly procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows the hose end portion to be easily removed and replaced if damaged or dirty, with the ability to recover and reuse the main hose body. This approach simplifies maintenance by enabling quick hose end replacement without requiring complete system disassembly or complex retrieval mechanisms.
3Area of stationary object
If larger hoses are used to clean large areas, then coverage area is improved, but storage and moving convenience decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The hose system is segmented into a main hose body and a removable end portion. The removable end can be compactly stored in wall-mounted compartments when not in use, while the main hose remains accessible for operation. This segmentation allows the system to support longer hoses for large area coverage while maintaining storage convenience through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The hose storage solution utilizes vertical wall space through mounted compartments, transitioning from floor or horizontal storage to vertical wall-mounted storage. This dimensional change allows longer hoses to be stored more efficiently, improving storage convenience while maintaining the ability to use larger hoses for extensive coverage areas.
4Device complexity
If hoses without high voltage connections are used, then simplicity is maintained, but functionality for electric cleaning heads is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The hose end portion is designed with universal compatibility features, including integrated high voltage electrical connections that enable use with electric cleaning heads while maintaining compatibility with standard vacuum inlets. This multi-functionality approach adds electric head capability without significantly increasing overall system complexity, as the electrical connection is integrated into the existing hose connector design.
Solution Approach 2:
The hose end portion acts as an intermediary component that bridges the vacuum system and electric cleaning heads. It includes built-in electrical contacts that transfer power to the cleaning head while maintaining the mechanical connection for vacuum flow. This intermediary design adds electric head versatility without requiring complex wiring modifications to the main vacuum system, preserving relative simplicity.
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 simplifies installation and maintenance, allows for efficient storage and use of hoses, and enhances the versatility of central vacuum systems by enabling high voltage connections for electric attachments.
Implementation Method 1
wherein, when the hose access door is open, the hose may be stored in the hose storage area by manually operating the switch to activate the central vacuum system and generate a vacuum in the hose storage area to retract the hose
Implementation Method 2
when the hose access door is closed, the seal substantially provides a vacuum seal decreasing vacuum degradation in the central vacuum cleaning system
Data Source
AI summary
A hose storage system and method for an electric hose for use in a central vacuum system comprising a hose storage area and a vacuum inlet valve. The system has a manual switch which can independently activate the vacuum system to create suction in the hose storage area to retract the hose and is covered when the hose is stored. The hose comprises a first end with a hose cuff for connection to the vacuum connection opening of the inlet valve, and, a second end with a wand connection for connection to a wand or other electric device. During storage, the switch is operated to activate the vacuum system generating a vacuum in the storage area and retracting the second end of the hose into the hose storage area while the hose cuff is connected to the vacuum inlet opening. Once fully retracted, except for the hose cuff, the hose cuff is removed from the vacuum inlet connection opening and the vacuum system is again manually activated by the switch to retract the remainder of hose until the hose cuff abuts a hose storage abutment surface. The inlet valve has a hose access door with a seal providing access to the hose storage area which may be separate from a waste conveying portion to provide more hygienic storage of the hose.