Vacuum Cleaner Sole Plate Ribs That Prevent Debris Trapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vacuum cleaners with linear cross ribs in the sole plate often trap debris, reducing their effectiveness in cleaning surfaces with varying carpet pile heights, as the debris gets blocked by the ribs rather than being drawn into the suction nozzle.
Innovation Solution
A sole plate with upwardly curved cross ribs that create semicircular gaps allowing debris to pass laterally under the ribs, preventing trapping and enhancing debris ingestion into the suction nozzle, thereby improving cleaning performance across different carpet types.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If linear cross ribs are used in the sole plate, then structural stiffness is provided, but debris trapping occurs and cleaning effectiveness is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The cross ribs are designed with upward curvature instead of linear straight lines. This curvature creates semicircular gaps between the ribs and the surface, allowing debris to pass underneath rather than being blocked. The curved geometry maintains structural stiffness while eliminating the debris trapping problem associated with linear ribs.
2Stability of the object's composition
If linear cross ribs are used in the sole plate, then structural support is maintained, but debris passage is blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The upward curvature of the cross ribs creates a gap configuration that prevents debris from becoming trapped between the ribs and the surface. The semicircular profile allows debris to roll or slide underneath the ribs rather than being blocked, while the rib structure itself maintains its structural support function.
3Productivity
If upwardly curved cross ribs are used, then debris passage is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The upward curvature can be implemented through standard forming or molding processes. The curved profile is a simple geometric modification that can be achieved in single-step manufacturing operations, avoiding the need for complex assembly or multiple machining steps.
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 design results in a 7.5% to 12.7% improvement in debris removal efficiency, with better performance on lower pile carpets and minimal impact on higher pile carpets, indicating effective debris collection without rib interference.
Implementation Method 1
a source of suction in fluid communication with the suction nozzle for generating a working airstream through the suction nozzle
Implementation Method 2
allowing debris to pass laterally under the ribs
Implementation Method 3
debris to pass laterally under the ribs, preventing trapping and enhancing debris ingestion into the suction nozzle
Implementation Method 4
a separating and collection assembly for separating and collecting debris from the working airstream
Data Source
AI summary
A vacuum cleaner includes a suction nozzle, a source of suction in fluid communication with the suction nozzle for generating a working airstream through the suction nozzle, an agitator provided within the suction nozzle, and a sole plate provided on a lower side the suction nozzle, wherein the sole plate comprises a plurality of upwardly curved cross ribs.