Vacuum Cleaner Pipe Locking for One-Handed Mode Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vacuum cleaners, particularly combined upright and canister models, require users to manage the extension pipe assembly with both hands when converting between modes, which can be inconvenient.
Innovation Solution
A vacuum cleaner design featuring a locking member with elastic return, a detaching button with spring-assisted return, and a pushing member, such as a coil spring, that allows the extension pipe assembly to be automatically unlocked and moved upward when the detaching button is pressed, reducing the need for manual handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the extension pipe assembly is manually detached from the main body by pressing the detaching button, then the conversion between upright and canister modes is achieved, but the user must use both hands which reduces ease of operation
Solution Approach 1:
The extension pipe assembly is designed to automatically detach from the main body when the detaching button is pressed. The releasing groove and releasing protrusion mechanism enable the extension pipe assembly to self-d detach without requiring manual pulling, thus allowing single-handed operation while maintaining mode conversion capability
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is pre-configured with the detaching button connected to the locking protrusion. When the button is pressed, the locking protrusion is automatically pushed into the releasing groove, preparing the extension pipe assembly for automatic detachment before the user releases the button
2Reliability
If the locking member securely locks the extension pipe assembly to the main body, then reliability is improved, but the complexity of the locking mechanism increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components: a locking member with a locking groove, a locking protrusion on the extension pipe assembly, and a detaching button. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function simply, maintaining reliability while reducing overall complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The detaching button is extracted as a separate control element that directly actuates the locking member. This separation allows the locking mechanism to maintain secure locking through the locking groove and protrusion interface while simplifying the detachment operation through the dedicated button
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
Enables single-handed operation when converting between upright and canister modes, simplifying the process and reducing the likelihood of unintentional detachment during upright use by utilizing a spring-assisted mechanism for the extension pipe assembly.
Implementation Method 1
a pushing member for moving the extension pipe assembly according to the locking member being detached from the extension pipe assembly
Implementation Method 2
a locking member spring for applying an elastic force to the locking member to return the locking member to its initial position after the detaching button is pressed and then released
Implementation Method 3
a detaching button spring for applying an elastic force to the detaching button to return the detaching button to its initial position after the detaching button is pressed and then released
Data Source
AI summary
A vacuum cleaner is provided. A vacuum cleaner includes a main body with a suction motor, a dust collecting unit, a main body frame, a locking member, a detaching button, and a pushing member. A suction port assembly is connected to the main body and an extension pipe assembly is detachably attached to the main body; each fluidly connects selectively with the dust collecting unit. The locking member selectively locks the extension pipe assembly to the main body frame, the detaching button selectively detaches the locking member from the extension pipe assembly, and the pushing member moves the extension pipe assembly according to the locking member being detached from the extension pipe assembly.