Vacuum cleaner nozzle assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vacuum cleaner nozzle arrangements lack adaptability for various application scenarios, particularly in transitioning between different suction configurations for effective cleaning of diverse surfaces such as upholstery, carpets, and smooth floors, with limitations in mobility and adjustability.

Innovation Solution

A vacuum cleaner nozzle arrangement featuring a pivotable suction connection piece connected to the base body, allowing tilting and rotational movement, and a locking device that automatically adjusts between locked and unlocked states based on the suction configuration, enabling better alignment with surfaces and enhanced cleaning efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If the suction connection piece is rigidly fixed to the base body, then structural stability is improved, but mobility and adaptability to different surfaces deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidadaptability to different surfaces
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The suction connection piece is made pivotable relative to the base body about a tilting axis, transforming the rigid fixed connection into a dynamic adjustable connection. This allows the suction connection piece to tilt and align with surfaces at different angles, improving adaptability while maintaining structural stability through the pivot connection

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If the suction connection piece is made pivotable, then adaptability and mobility are improved, but structural stability and positioning precision deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemobility and adjustabilityVSAvoidpositioning precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The locking device automatically detects the suction configuration state and self-activates to lock or unlock the pivot connection. When the extension nozzle is detected, the locking device automatically unlocks to allow tilting movement; when the extension nozzle is removed, it automatically locks to fix the position, eliminating the need for manual intervention

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Stability of the object's composition

If a locking device is added to fix the pivotable connection, then positioning precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning precisionVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The locking device is designed to automatically activate based on the presence or absence of the extension nozzle. The system self-detects the configuration state and self-locks or self-unlocks the pivot connection without requiring manual operation, reducing the need for additional control mechanisms

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The locking device is integrated with the pivot connection mechanism, combining the locking function with the existing pivot structure. This merging of functions reduces overall device complexity compared to having separate locking and pivoting mechanisms

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Ease of operation

If the locking device automatically unlocks in second suction configuration, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability of locked state may deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoidreliability of locked state
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The locking device automatically detects when the extension nozzle is present and self-unlocks the pivot connection, then automatically re-locks when the extension nozzle is removed. This automatic operation eliminates manual intervention while maintaining reliable locking through the mechanical engagement of the locking mechanism

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP4309556A1Vacuum cleaner nozzle assembly
Publication Date: 2024.01.24 WESSEL WERK
  • EP4309556A1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP4309556A1 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP4309556A1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

The invention relates to a vacuum cleaner nozzle arrangement (1) comprising a base nozzle (2) extending in a working direction (x) and in a transverse direction (y) perpendicular thereto to form a first suction configuration (I). The base nozzle (2) is designed with a base body (4) comprising a suction channel (6) and a suction opening (5) arranged on the underside of the base body (4) and adjoining the suction channel, which is bounded by a front suction opening edge (5a) and a rear suction opening edge (5b). The base nozzle (2) further comprises a suction connection nozzle (7) fluidically connected to the suction channel (6). The vacuum cleaner nozzle arrangement (1) further comprises an extension nozzle (3) for forming a second suction configuration (II) in conjunction with the base nozzle (2).The extension nozzle (3) has a second suction opening (8) formed on its underside and a receptacle (10) for the base body (4) which is fluidically connected to the second suction opening (8). The base body (4) can be reversibly locked onto the receptacle (10). According to the invention, the suction connection nozzle (7) is pivotably connected to the base body (4) about a tilting axis (k) extending in the transverse direction (y).