Vacuum Cleaner Nozzle Bellows With Flat Inner Surface for Noise Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Prior art vacuum cleaners with flexible hoses or bellows experience increased noise levels due to turbulence when air is drawn with high velocity, as the corrugations in the bellow arrangement cause air flow disruptions.
Innovation Solution
A vacuum cleaner nozzle with a flexible bellow arrangement featuring a flat inside surface and axially movable annular elements that provide radial support and flexibility, allowing smooth air flow and reducing noise by eliminating turbulence within the bellow corrugations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a flexible bellow with corrugations is used to connect nozzle inlet to outlet, then flexibility is achieved, but air flow turbulence increases causing higher noise level
Solution Approach 1:
The bellow is divided into multiple axially arranged elements with flat inside surfaces, segmented by annular elements. This segmentation allows each segment to maintain a smooth internal surface while the overall structure remains flexible through axial movement of the elements relative to each other.
Solution Approach 2:
Annular elements act as intermediaries between adjacent bellow segments. These annular elements with flat inside surfaces create smooth transitions for air flow between segments, preventing turbulence while allowing axial movement that maintains flexibility.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a rigid hose is used to transport air, then structural stability is maintained, but flexibility and ability to accommodate movement is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The bellow structure transitions from a static rigid hose to a dynamic flexible structure. Multiple axially movable elements allow the bellow to adapt its shape and accommodate movement while maintaining structural integrity through the radial support provided by annular elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The bellow uses flexible elements with flat inside surfaces arranged axially. These flexible components maintain structural stability through their annular shape and radial support, while allowing axial movement and bending to provide the needed flexibility.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If elements are added inside the bellow to provide radial support and flat surface, then air flow smoothness improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The annular elements serve multiple functions simultaneously: they provide radial support to prevent bellow collapse, create a flat inside surface for smooth air flow, and enable axial movement between elements. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The radial support structure and the air flow guiding surface are merged into a single annular element design. The flange provides radial support while the flat inside surface guides air flow, combining two functions into one component to reduce overall complexity.
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 results in a quieter operation of the vacuum cleaner by facilitating unimpeded air flow and preventing bellow collapse, while maintaining flexibility and stability through the use of radially protruding flanges and beveled end faces in the annular elements.
Implementation Method 1
When air is drawn with high velocity through the nozzle and suction tube/hose, turbulence may result in an increased noise level of the vacuum cleaner
Implementation Method 2
the elements provide stability along their radial axes thereby preventing the bellow from collapsing from the vacuum arising inside the bellow
Data Source
AI summary
A vacuum cleaner nozzle having a flexible bellow arrangement for connecting a nozzle inlet to a nozzle outlet. The bellow arrangement has a flat inside surface.