Vacuum Cleaner Nozzle Locking Device for Brush Position Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vacuum cleaners with brush actuation mechanisms require significant user effort to switch between brush positions, leading to discomfort and potential mechanical stress on the device, and may cause breaks in plastic parts due to high force requirements.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a locking device that dissociates joystick indexing from brush locking, allowing for easier movement and improved locking of brushes in the lowered position, maintaining optimal ground clearance and suction performance while reducing user effort and simplifying the kinematics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the joystick indexing system is configured to require relatively large forces to move the joystick between positions, then the brush locking reliability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the joystick control system into two independent functions: the joystick indexing system for position selection and the locking device for brush position fixation. This segmentation allows the indexing system to provide reliable positioning without requiring excessive force, while the locking device separately ensures brush locking reliability, thus resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and locking reliability.
2Reliability
If the joystick indexing system requires relatively large forces to maintain brush position, then the brush locking reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases due to potential breaks in plastic parts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent separates the indexing function from the locking function, placing the locking device directly on the brush actuation mechanism rather than relying solely on the joystick indexing system. This segmentation transfers the locking reliability requirement from the plastic joystick components to a dedicated mechanical locking device, reducing stress on plastic parts and simplifying the overall system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking function is extracted from the joystick indexing system and implemented as a separate locking device within the brush actuation mechanism. This extraction eliminates the need for the joystick system to provide both indexing and locking functions, thereby reducing the mechanical stress on plastic parts of the joystick system and preventing breaks while maintaining brush locking reliability.
3Device complexity
If the joystick indexing system is used for both indexing and locking functions, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to high force requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the control system into distinct indexing and locking functions. The joystick indexing system handles only position selection with minimal force requirements, while the locking device independently manages brush position fixation. This segmentation maintains relatively simple device structure while dramatically improving ease of operation by eliminating the need for users to apply large forces.
Data Source
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AI summary
Vacuum nozzle (2) comprising a soleplate, at least one brush (13.1, 13.2, 13.3), and a brush actuation mechanism comprising a lever (15) and configured to, when the lever (15) is moved to a first lever position, lower at least one brush (13.1, 13.2, 13.3) and position it in a lowered position, and to, when the lever (15) is moved to a second lever position, raise at least one brush (13.1, 13.2, 13.3) and position it in a raised position, the brush actuation mechanism also comprising a lever indexing system (16) configured to hold the lever (15) in at least the first and second lever positions, and a locking device (26) configured to lock at least one brush (13.1, 13.2, 13.3) in the lowered position.