Vacuum cleaner tool having a rotatable duct for moving between a use position and storage position on a vacuum cleaner

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vacuum cleaner tools are not easily storable on the vacuum cleaner, leading to separate storage and potential issues with air leaks during use.

Innovation Solution

A vacuum cleaner tool with a rotatable duct that moves between a use position and a storage position, featuring a brush head with a rotatable brush device and a seal for secure suction, allowing easy attachment and detachment for storage on the vacuum cleaner.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the vacuum cleaner tool is stored separately from the vacuum cleaner, then the tool is easily accessible for use, but the tool cannot be stored on the vacuum cleaner and may cause air leaks during use

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveAccessibility of toolVSAvoidSuction integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The brush head is designed to nest within the body of the vacuum cleaner when not in use. The brush head can be inserted into a recess or compartment in the vacuum cleaner body, creating a compact stored configuration that maintains suction integrity while providing easy accessibility when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The brush head and vacuum cleaner body are merged into a single integrated unit through the rotatable duct connection. This allows the tool to be stored on the vacuum cleaner itself rather than separately, eliminating air leaks while maintaining easy accessibility for use.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 convenient storage of the vacuum cleaner tool on the vacuum cleaner while maintaining suction integrity by creating a friction-based connection, reducing air leaks and enhancing usability.

Implementation Method 1

A seal on the brush head or rotatable duct serves to create a friction-based connection between the brush head and rotatable duct during use. In this manner, the suction at the brush head inlet is not disrupted by any air leaks.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP3675701B1Vacuum cleaner tool having a rotatable duct for moving between a use position and storage position on a vacuum cleaner
Publication Date: 2022.10.05 SHARKNINJA OPERATING LLC
  • EP3675701B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3675701B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3675701B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A vacuum cleaner tool having a brush head, a rotatable duct, and a hinge. The rotatable duct is configured to receive a hose or wand and rotates about the hinge relative to the brush head, between a use position and storage position. In a storage position, the rotatable duct extends generally parallel, or in-line with the brush head and, in a use position, the rotatable duct extends generally perpendicular to the brush head. The vacuum cleaner tool may removably attach to the vacuum cleaner via a release on one end of the brush head interacting with a fixed catch on the vacuum cleaner.