Vacuum Tube Locking Collar for RV Space-Constrained Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Central vacuum cleaning systems in recreational vehicles face challenges with limited space for installing rigid conduits and securing the cleaning hose and wand, particularly in finding a suitable area to store the handle and seal the inlet end when using multiple vacuum inlets.
Innovation Solution
A modular vacuum cleaning system with a collar that can be mounted on various structures, featuring a locking mechanism to secure the hose in an extended position and a clamp mechanism for adjustable mounting, allowing the hose to be easily extended and retracted, and providing seals for multiple outlet compatibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a rigid vacuum conduit system is installed in an RV, then the vacuum cleaning function is provided, but the installation space requirement increases and adaptability to limited RV spaces decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The vacuum system is divided into modular components: a collapsible conduit that can be folded into compact sections, a separate collar assembly that attaches to the RV wall, and a detachable hose with handle. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently for space efficiency while maintaining full vacuum functionality when deployed.
Solution Approach 2:
The conduit is designed to be collapsible and flexible rather than rigid, allowing it to be compressed into small storage spaces within the RV when not in use. The collar assembly includes a rotatable handle cradle that can pivot between storage and operational positions, dynamically adapting to the limited RV interior space.
2Reliability
If a locking mechanism is added to secure the hose in extended position, then the hose positioning reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism utilizes the existing vacuum suction force and the elastic recovery of the collapsible conduit to automatically maintain the hose in its extended operational position. The conduit's inherent elasticity provides a spring-like tension that naturally holds the hose extended during vacuum operation, eliminating the need for complex external locking devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The collar assembly acts as an intermediary between the hose and the RV wall structure. It provides a simple pin-and-slot mechanical guide that constrains the handle movement to radial extension and retraction, providing reliable positioning through geometric constraint rather than complex active locking mechanisms.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple vacuum inlets are installed in an RV, then the versatility of the vacuum system is improved, but the difficulty of sealing inlet ends increases
Solution Approach 1:
The collar assembly is designed as a universal interface that can be installed at multiple RV wall locations. Each collar includes an integrated seal that interfaces with the collapsible conduit, providing a standardized sealing solution that works identically at every inlet position. This universal design allows multiple inlets to be installed throughout the RV without requiring different sealing approaches for each location.
4Ease of operation
If the handle is stored in the collar when retracted, then the storage organization is improved, but the collar structure complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The collar assembly combines multiple functions into a single integrated structure: it serves as the mounting interface to the RV wall, the storage cradle for the handle, and the sealing interface for the collapsible conduit. The handle cradle is formed as an integral part of the collar body, eliminating the need for separate storage components and reducing overall structural complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A central vacuum cleaning system includes a locking collar mounted at various locations in a structure or RV and connected to the inlet end of a vacuum conduit. A section of hose is slidably mounted within the conduit and extends therefrom for cleaning an adjacent area. A pair of O-rings within the collar frictionally retains a handle mounted on the end of the hose in a stored position when the hose is in a retracted position and provides an air seal between the handle and vacuum supply conduit. A locking mechanism mounted on the collar automatically locks the hose in a selected extended position when manually pulled from the collar by a locking finger engaging an adjacent section of the hose. An electric switch on the collar enables a user to actuate the vacuum supply source. A mounting bracket enables the collar to be mounted at various locations in the structure and a ring formed on the collar enables the collar to be rotated to a desired position on the mounting bracket.