Vacuum inlet valve assembly with multiple locked positions for a vacuum hose
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing central vacuum cleaning systems lack a locking mechanism that allows the hose to be secured at various positions, leading to the hose being fully extended and potentially tripping users, or not locking at all when partial extension is desired.
Innovation Solution
A locking assembly with two subassemblies: a moveable pin for securing the hose end and a variable diameter split ring clamp for securing an intermediate length, allowing the hose to be locked at multiple positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a locking mechanism is designed to lock the hose in a fully extended position, then the hose can be securely locked, but the hose cannot be locked at intermediate positions causing it to be fully extended and potentially tripping users
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is divided into two separate locking subassemblies: a first locking subassembly with a moveable pin that locks the hose in a fully extended position, and a second locking subassembly with a variable diameter split ring clamp that locks the hose at intermediate positions. This segmentation allows each subassembly to specialize in a specific locking function, resolving the contradiction between reliable locking and operational flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking assembly is designed as a multi-functional system that can perform multiple locking operations: full extension locking via the moveable pin, intermediate position locking via the split ring clamp, and complete hose removal. This multi-functionality enables the single locking assembly to provide both secure locking and flexible operation across different hose positions.
2Reliability
If a flexible sleeve is used to seal around the hose, then a seal can be formed, but the hose sock bunches making it difficult for the hose to be moved relative to the vacuum pipe
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible sleeve that caused hose sock bunching is completely removed from the system. Instead, a seal is formed directly between the hose sock and the valve housing surface, eliminating the intermediate flexible sleeve component that was creating the bunching problem while maintaining sealing functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
A seal member is introduced as an intermediary element between the hose sock and the valve housing to form an effective seal. This seal member allows the hose to be securely sealed at intermediate positions without the bunching issues caused by the flexible sleeve, enabling smooth hose movement while maintaining seal effectiveness.
Data Source
AI summary
A valve box assembly of a central vacuum system includes a locking assembly. At least one component of the locking assembly is moveable in a rotational manner or action. Prior to moving the locking assembly to a second locked position, the vacuum hose is moved into the valve box assembly to alter a length of the vacuum hose that extends from the valve box assembly. The length of the vacuum hose that extends from the valve box assembly in the second locked position is shorter than the length of the vacuum hose that extends from the valve box in a first locked position.