Vacuum Cleaner Nozzle Light Guide for Uniform Edge Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vacuum cleaner nozzles with light sources on the leading edge require multiple light sources for adequate illumination, increasing costs and making them prone to breakage due to exposure to shocks.
Innovation Solution
A vacuum cleaner nozzle design utilizing a single light source positioned inside an outer shell with a light guide that distributes light along the leading edge, protecting the source from shocks and integrating light transmission and projection functions into a single component, such as a transparent light guide with reflective surfaces and a frosted projection surface for homogeneous light distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If multiple light sources are used on the leading edge to illuminate the floor, then illumination efficiency is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
A light guide acts as an intermediary component between the single light source and the leading edge. The light guide receives light from the source and distributes it along the leading edge, achieving uniform illumination without requiring multiple light sources. This mediator enables one source to serve multiple locations effectively.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution transitions from distributing multiple light sources across the leading edge (spatial distribution in one dimension) to using a single light source that distributes light along the length of the leading edge through the light guide (extending illumination in a different dimensional approach). This transforms the problem from multiplying sources to multiplying the reach of a single source.
2Illumination intensity
If light sources are positioned on the leading edge for direct illumination, then lighting performance is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to exposure to shocks
Solution Approach 1:
The light guide serves as a protective intermediary, allowing the light source to be positioned inside the shell where it is protected from shocks, while still delivering light to the leading edge. The light guide transmits the light through the shell wall, decoupling the location of the light source from the location of light emission.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is segmented into distinct functional components: the light source inside the shell, the transmission function via light guide, and the projection function at the leading edge. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the source for protection and the emission point for lighting performance.
3Reliability
If a transparent wall is added to protect light sources from shocks, then reliability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The shell wall is given multiple functions: it provides structural protection for the light source and simultaneously serves as the transmission medium for light. By making the shell wall transparent and integrating it with the light guide system, it performs both protective and optical functions, eliminating the need for separate protective structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The protective function and light transmission function are merged into a single integrated structure. The shell wall that protects the light source is also designed to transmit light, combining two previously separate requirements into one component that accomplishes both goals simultaneously.
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
This design reduces costs by using a single light source while maintaining efficient lighting and protecting it from damage, ensuring robustness and effective illumination along the entire leading edge.
Implementation Method 1
a light guide (10) whose outer face forms a projection surface (15) and which is arranged to transmit a light beam from a light source (60) along its entire length
Implementation Method 2
the distribution means comprise a plurality of at least partially reflecting surfaces arranged along the opposite face and arranged to each reflect part of the light emitted towards said at least one projection surface
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4
AI summary
The invention relates to a vacuum cleaner nozzle including: a nozzle body having at least one leading edge (30, 35), at least one light source (60) arranged to emit light, at least one projection surface (15) arranged on said at least one leading edge (30, 35), for receiving the light emitted by said at least one light source (60) and for projecting a light beam for lighting a floor to be cleaned, characterized in that said at least one projection surface (15) is arranged along said at least one leading edge (30, 35) and in that the vacuum cleaner nozzle includes transmission means arranged between said at least one light source (60) and said at least one projection surface (15), for transmitting and distributing the light emitted by said at least one light source (60) along said at least one projection surface (15).