Vacuum Accessory Swivel Assembly for Balanced Airflow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing swivel assemblies for vacuum cleaners are complex to assemble and prone to threaded connections becoming unscrewed, and they often require multiple parts, making them expensive and difficult to maintain, while also not allowing for efficient multi-axis movement and balanced airflow.
Innovation Solution
A swivel assembly system that includes first and second arcuate members with tabs and receiving sections, allowing the vacuum appliance to pivot relative to the accessory about two independent axes, along with a plenum chamber for balanced airflow, and swivel joints for flexible connection to the vacuum hose or wand.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If threaded connections are used to engage the hose and coupling, then the connection can be released, but the threaded connection may become unscrewed and the assembly becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the threaded mechanical connection system with a friction-fit mechanical system. The hose engages with the coupling through friction between the hose exterior and coupling interior surfaces, eliminating threads entirely. This substitution maintains connection reliability through friction while dramatically simplifying the assembly structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and removes the threaded connection components from the coupling assembly. By taking out the threading mechanism, the design eliminates the complexity and potential for unscrewing while maintaining the essential function of connectable attachment through a simpler friction-based interface.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple parts are used to achieve swivel and coupling functions, then the desired functionality is achieved, but the device becomes expensive and difficult to maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the swivel joint functionality and hose coupling functionality into a single integrated coupling component. The coupling simultaneously provides friction-fit attachment and multi-axis swivel capability, eliminating the need for separate swivel joints and reducing the total number of parts that require maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling is designed as a universal component that performs multiple functions: friction-fit connection, swivel movement, and hose positioning. This multi-functionality reduces the number of specialized parts needed and simplifies maintenance by providing a single component to service rather than multiple specialized parts.
3Ease of manufacture
If a simple coupling design is used, then assembly is easy, but multi-axis movement and balanced airflow cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling incorporates dynamic swivel capability that allows automatic adjustment and movement along multiple axes in response to operational conditions. The friction-fit design maintains simplicity while the swivel joints provide dynamic adaptability, enabling the hose to move freely to achieve balanced airflow and optimal positioning without complex assembly.
Data Source
AI summary
A vacuum accessory having an elongated axis, the accessory comprising an adapter configured to provide fluid communication with a vacuum appliance, at least first and second air outlet ports spaced along the elongated axis of the accessory. The ports are configured to balance airflow along the elongated axis of the accessory.