Wet/dry vacuum tools with simplified containment tools and cooperating tool sets
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wet/dry vacuum tools lack efficient mechanisms for secure coupling and coordinated operation with multiple tools, leading to inefficiencies in cleaning tasks and potential fluid leakage.
Innovation Solution
The integration of latching mechanisms, tolerance rails, and sealing interfaces between vacuum and cleaning fluid nozzles in cooperating wet/dry vacuum tools, allowing for secure attachment and controlled delivery of cleaning fluid, enhancing task versatility and reducing leakage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional coupling mechanisms are used between vacuum tools, then the structure remains simple, but secure attachment and coordinated operation cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling system is divided into separate functional components: latching mechanisms for secure attachment, tolerance rails for alignment, and sealing interfaces for fluid containment. Each component performs a specific function, allowing reliable coupling without requiring a monolithic complex structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The tolerance rails are integrated within the tool housing structure, and the latching mechanisms are nested within the coupling interface. This nesting approach allows multiple functional elements to coexist in a compact arrangement, achieving secure coupling without proportionally increasing external dimensions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple vacuum tools are used for different cleaning tasks, then task versatility is improved, but efficient coordination and secure attachment between tools becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling interface is designed with universal features including standardized latching mechanisms, tolerance rails, and sealing interfaces that can accommodate different tool types (vacuum tools, cleaning fluid delivery tools, etc.). This allows multiple tools with different functions to be securely coordinated through a common coupling system.
Solution Approach 2:
The tolerance rails act as intermediary elements that facilitate precise alignment between different tool interfaces. The rails guide the coupling process and ensure proper positioning, making it easier to coordinate and attach different tool types securely.
3Productivity
If cleaning fluid delivery is integrated with vacuum tools, then cleaning performance is enhanced, but fluid leakage becomes a potential problem
Solution Approach 1:
Sealing interfaces are introduced as intermediary elements between the cleaning fluid delivery system and vacuum tool. These sealing interfaces prevent direct exposure of potential leakage paths while maintaining the integrated functionality of the combined tool system.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing interfaces utilize flexible sealing elements (such as O-rings or gaskets) that conform to the mating surfaces, creating effective fluid barriers. These thin film seals prevent leakage while allowing for manufacturing tolerances and thermal expansion.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 1C
Figure 1D
AI summary
The present disclosure is generally directed to vacuum tools. In one example, a first wet/dry crevice tool is provided that can be coupled to a vacuum source and a cleaning fluid source. The first tool includes a vacuum orifice and a cleaning fluid nozzle assembly coupled to a cleaning fluid actuation mechanism to controllably deliver cleaning fluid to a target area to be cleaned. The vacuum orifice is configured to sealingly interface with another cooperating tool. The first tool includes latching mechanisms and tolerance rails to enable secure coupling of the first tool to another cooperating tool, for example a wet/dry containment tool.