Vacuum Hose Storage Tube Using Partial Vacuum Retrieval
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional central vacuum cleaners face challenges in storing the vacuum hose due to its length and space requirements, particularly in areas like apartments where space is limited, and existing solutions do not effectively address the inconvenience of manual coiling and finding suitable storage locations.
Innovation Solution
A vacuum hose storage system that includes a vacuum unit connected to a storage tube, generating a partial vacuum to draw the hose into the tube, which can be installed in various locations such as walls, cabinets, or mobile carts, with features like PVC piping and airtight seals to facilitate efficient storage and retrieval.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If the vacuum hose is made very long to reach all cleaning areas, then the cleaning coverage is improved, but the storage difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The vacuum hose is stored inside a storage tube that is nested within the cabinet structure. The hose fits within the tube's diameter, allowing the long hose to be contained in a compact vertical space rather than requiring horizontal storage space.
Solution Approach 2:
The storage solution transitions from horizontal storage (coiling on floor or wall mounting) to vertical storage by positioning the storage tube vertically within the cabinet, utilizing the unused vertical space in the lower section.
2Device complexity
If manual coiling of the vacuum hose is required, then the storage system becomes simpler, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The vacuum unit automatically retrieves the vacuum hose by generating a partial vacuum that draws the hose into the storage tube, eliminating the need for manual coiling and automatic retrieval operations.
Solution Approach 2:
A partial vacuum mechanism is used to automatically retrieve the vacuum hose into the storage tube, replacing manual handling with pneumatic assistance for easier operation.
3Area of stationary object
If the storage tube is placed in the lower section of the cabinet, then the space utilization is improved, but the accessibility may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The system utilizes the vertical dimension by placing the storage tube in the lower section of the cabinet, converting horizontal space constraints into vertical space utilization where the hose can be stored out of the way but still accessible.
Solution Approach 2:
The automatic vacuum retrieval system eliminates the need for manual reaching into the lower cabinet section, as the vacuum unit itself pulls the hose from storage, making the lower placement accessible without physical access issues.
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 provides a convenient and space-efficient method to store and retrieve the vacuum hose, utilizing existing spaces like cabinet lower sections and allowing for easy maneuverability with a portable cart, enhancing usability and storage capacity.
Implementation Method 1
The vacuum unit is operable to generate a partial vacuum within the storage tube, and the vacuum hose is drawn into the storage tube by the partial vacuum within the storage tube.
Data Source
AI summary
A vacuum hose storage system for a cabinet comprising a kickboard and defining an upper section and a lower section, where the lower section is fronted by the kickboard. The vacuum hose storage system comprises a vacuum unit and a storage tube located within the lower section of the cabinet and behind the kickboard. The vacuum unit is fluidly connected to the storage tube. The vacuum unit is operable to generate a partial vacuum within the storage tube. The vacuum hose is drawn into the storage tube by the partial vacuum within the storage tube.