Electric Cleaning Apparatus

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a cleaning tool, and more particularly, an electric cleaning apparatus.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The field of electric cleaning apparatus has evolved considerably over the years, catering to diverse consumer needs for effective and efficient cleaning solutions. Among these apparatus, handheld vacuum cleaners have gained popularity due to their convenience and portability. However, many of these electric cleaning apparatus exhibit limitations, particularly regarding their functionality.

The field of electric cleaning apparatus has evolved significantly in response to consumer demands for effective and efficient cleaning solutions. Among these apparatus, handheld vacuum cleaners have gained substantial popularity due to their convenience and portability. Designed primarily for quick clean-ups and tackling smaller messes, handheld vacuum cleaners are often used in homes, cars, and various other environments where immediate cleaning is required. Their compact size and lightweight design allow for easy maneuverability, enabling users to reach tight spaces and corners that larger cleaning apparatus may struggle to access.

However, despite these advantages, many handheld vacuum cleaners exhibit significant limitations, particularly regarding their functionality. Most of these electric cleaning apparatus are optimized solely for suctioning dirt and debris, which restricts their overall cleaning capabilities. While they excel at addressing dry messes, they typically lack the ability to perform other essential cleaning tasks effectively, such as scrubbing or mopping surfaces. This narrow focus on vacuuming not only limits the range of applications but also necessitates the use of additional cleaning tools for more comprehensive cleaning. As a result, users often find themselves managing multiple apparatus to address different cleaning needs, which can complicate their cleaning routines and diminish overall efficiency.

The need for a more versatile cleaning solution has prompted some manufacturers to explore hybrid electric cleaning apparatus that combine various cleaning functions into a single tool. For instance, certain models integrate vacuuming with mopping capabilities, allowing users to switch between dry and wet cleaning tasks seamlessly. However, these hybrid apparatus often face challenges in balancing performance across different functions. Many struggle to maintain optimal suction power while mopping, and the mechanical components may experience increased wear due to the demands of dual functionality. Consequently, consumers may find that these apparatus do not meet their expectations for either cleaning method, leading to frustration and dissatisfaction.

Moreover, the singular functionality of many handheld vacuum cleaners highlights the need for innovation in this space. Users today seek products that offer a more comprehensive cleaning experience without the hassle of juggling multiple tools. A cleaning apparatus that combines powerful suction with additional features-such as scrubbing brushes or mopping pads—could significantly enhance user satisfaction by streamlining the cleaning process. By integrating multiple functions, a new apparatus could effectively tackle various cleaning tasks, from quick pickups to deeper cleans, thereby addressing the limitations of traditional handheld models.

Another aspect to consider is the ergonomic design of electric cleaning apparatus. While many handheld vacuums are designed to be lightweight and portable, they often adopt a one-size-fits-all approach that can result in awkward handling or discomfort during extended use. A lack of thoughtful design in terms of weight distribution and grip can lead to user fatigue, particularly when cleaning larger areas or navigating complex spaces. Enhancing the ergonomic features of electric cleaning apparatus is essential for improving the overall user experience and ensuring that cleaning tasks do not become a burden.

In addition to addressing functional and ergonomic concerns, there is also a growing awareness of environmental sustainability within the cleaning apparatus market. Many conventional models rely on disposable filters, bags, and cleaning pads, contributing to environmental waste. While some manufacturers have begun to adopt more sustainable practices, the prevalence of single-use materials remains a significant challenge in the industry. Developing electric cleaning apparatus that minimize waste and incorporate reusable components could align with consumer preferences for environmentally friendly products.

In conclusion, while electric cleaning apparatus, particularly handheld vacuum cleaners, provide convenience and ease of use, their functionality often remains limited to singular cleaning tasks. Consumers increasingly demand more versatile solutions that can address various cleaning needs without requiring multiple apparatus.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present technology to ameliorate at least some of the inconveniences present in the prior art.

According to one aspect of the present technology, there is provided an electric cleaning apparatus comprising: a body housing; a battery supported by the body housing; a motor supported by the body housing and electrically connected to the battery; a connecting element that is connected to the output shaft of the motor directly or indirectly, and a first cleaning assembly, wherein the first cleaning assembly further comprises: an outer housing having at least an inlet and an outlet; a filtering unit arranged in the outer housing; and an impeller rotatably arranged in the outer housing, and an impeller connecting member connected to the impeller directly or indirectly, wherein the impeller connecting member can be detachably connected to the connecting element.

In some embodiments, further comprising a first transmission assembly connected to the output shaft of the motor and the connecting element respectively.

In some embodiments, further comprising a second transmission assembly, wherein the transmission assembly is connected to the impeller and the impeller connecting member respectively.

In some embodiments, wherein the first transmission assembly and the second transmission assembly are planetary gear transmissions.

In some embodiments, wherein the transmission ratio of the first transmission assembly is less than 1, and the transmission ratio of the second transmission assembly is greater than 1.

In some embodiments, further comprising a second cleaning assembly, and the second cleaning assembly is a spinning brush head.

In some embodiments, wherein the connecting element and the impeller connecting member are irregularly shaped or polygonal.

In some embodiments, wherein the impeller is arranged near the outlet.

In some embodiments, further comprising a second cleaning assembly selectively connecting to the connecting element detachably.

In some embodiments, wherein the second cleaning assembly is a spinning brush head.

In some embodiments, wherein the second cleaning assembly comprises a main body and a connecting part connected to the main body, wherein the connecting part can be detachably connected to the connecting element.

In some embodiments, wherein the connecting part and the connecting element are snapping structures that match each other.

In some embodiments, wherein the connecting part and the connecting element are snapping structures that match each other.

In some embodiments, wherein the main body has a connecting structure, wherein the connecting structure can be connected to an external brush detachably.

In some embodiments, wherein the body housing has a first connecting portion, and the outer housing has a second connecting portion, wherein the first connecting portion can be detachably connected to the second connecting portion.

In some embodiments, further comprising a handle, wherein the handle is detachably connected to the body housing.

In some embodiments, further comprising a button and a charging port, wherein the button and the charging port are electrically connected to the battery respectively, wherein the button is electrically connected to the motor.

In some embodiments, further comprising a controller, a button, and a charging port, wherein the charging port is electrically connected to the battery, the button is electrically connected to the controller, and the controller is electrically connected to the motor.

In some embodiments, further comprising a suction housing, wherein the suction housing is hinged to the outer housing, wherein the suction housing has at least one through hole, wherein the through hole communicates with the inlet.

In some embodiments, further comprising at least one wheel that is rotatably connected to the suction housing.

In some embodiments, wherein the wheel is rotatably connected to the bottom of the suction housing.

Embodiments of the present technology each have at least one of the above-mentioned objects and/or aspects, but do not necessarily have all of them. It should be understood that some aspects of the present technology that have resulted from attempting to attain the above-mentioned object may not satisfy these objects and/or may satisfy other objects not specifically recited herein.

Additional and/or alternative features, aspects and advantages of embodiments of the present technology will become apparent from the following description, the accompanying drawings and the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which form a part of the present application, are used to provide a further understanding of the present invention. The schematic embodiments of the present invention and the description thereof are used to explain the present invention, and do not form improper limits to the present invention. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is an illustration of a perspective view of the present invention, in accordance with an example embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is an illustration of a perspective view of the driving module, in accordance with an example embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a an illustration of cross-sectional view of the driving module, in accordance with an example embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 is a an illustration of an exploded view of the driving module, in accordance with an example embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 is a an illustration of another exploded view of the present invention, in accordance with an example embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 is an illustration of a perspective view of the connecting element, in accordance with an example embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7 is an illustration of a perspective view of the first cleaning assembly, in accordance with an example embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 8 is an illustration of another perspective view of the first cleaning assembly, in accordance with an example embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 9 is an illustration of an exploded view of the first cleaning assembly, in accordance with an example embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 10 is an illustration of a perspective view of the present invention, in accordance with a second example embodiment of another present disclosure.

FIG. 11 is an illustration of a perspective view of the second cleaning assembly, in accordance with an example embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 12 is an illustration of another perspective view of the second cleaning assembly, in accordance with an example embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 13 is an illustration of perspective view of the driving module, in accordance with a third example embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 14 is an illustration of an exploded view of the driving module, in accordance with a third example embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 15 is an illustration of a perspective view of the present invention, in accordance with a third example embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 16 is an illustration of a perspective view of the present invention, in accordance with a fourth example embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

All illustrations of the drawings are for the purpose of describing selected versions of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

While the concepts of the present disclosure are susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described herein in detail. It should be understood, however, that there is no intent to limit the concepts of the present disclosure to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives consistent with the present disclosure and the appended claims.

Throughout the detailed description of the invention, various terms and phrases are utilized to describe the innovative features and functionalities. It is important to note that while specific terminology is employed for clarity and illustration, the invention is not limited to these particular words or expressions.

For instance, terms such as ‘electric cleaning apparatus,’ ‘connecting element,’ and ‘cleaning assembly’ are used to describe components of the invention. However, these terms are not exclusive, and alternative words or phrases may also adequately convey the same concepts. Examples include ‘electric cleaning tools,’ ‘cleaning modules,’ ‘connecting parts,’ and ‘cleaning modules,’ among others.

Similarly, descriptive phrases such as ‘rotatably arranged,’ ‘connecting portion,’ and ‘transmission assembly’ are employed to elucidate the operation and functionality of the invention. Nonetheless, alternative language that conveys similar meanings, such as ‘rotatably connected,’ ‘connecting parts,’ and ‘transmission module,’ may be equally applicable in describing the inventive features.

Therefore, it is essential to interpret the language used in the detailed description in a broad and inclusive manner, recognizing that the invention encompasses a range of terminology that effectively communicates its principles and functionalities. The choice of specific words or phrases does not limit the scope of the invention, which is defined by the appended claims.

Referring now to FIG. 1, the illustrative electric cleaning apparatus 1 comprises a driving module 2 and a first cleaning assembly 5. The first cleaning assembly 5 is detachably connected to the driving module 2.

In some embodiments, the electric cleaning apparatus 1 further comprises a handle 3. The handle 3 is detachably connected to the first cleaning assembly 5.

In some embodiments, the first cleaning assembly 5 is a vacuum cleaner.

Referring now to FIGS. 2-3, the driving module 2 comprises a body housing 211, a battery 212 supported by the body housing 211, a motor 213 supported by the body housing 211 and electrically connected to the battery 212, a connecting element 22 connected to the output shaft of the motor 213 directly or indirectly.

In some embodiments, the battery 212 is arranged outside of the body housing 211.

In some embodiments, the body housing 211 has a first connecting portion 2112. The first connecting portion 2112 can be connected to an external apparatus.

In some embodiments, the driving module 2 further comprises a first transmission assembly 214 connected to the output shaft of the motor 213 and the connecting element 22 respectively.

In some embodiments, the driving module 2 further comprises a button 23 and a charging port 24. The button 23 and the charging port 24 are electrically connected to the battery 212 respectively. The button 23 is electrically connected to the motor 213.

In some embodiments, the driving module 2 further comprises a controller, a button 23, and a charging port 24. The charging port 24 is electrically connected to the battery 212, the button 23 is electrically connected to the controller, and the controller is electrically connected to the motor 213. In a further preferred embodiment, the driving module 2 further comprises at least one indicator. The indicator is electrically connected to the controller. In a further preferred embodiment, the driving module 2 includes two indicators. In a further preferred embodiment, the driving module 2 further comprises a communication element. The communication element is connected to the controller. The communication element may establish communication wirelessly by utilizing radio frequency (RF) signals and/or data that comply with communication standards such as cellular 2G, 3G, 4G, LTE, or 5G, Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 standard such as Wi-Fi, IEEE 802.16 standard such as WiMAX, Bluetooth™, or combinations thereof. In a further preferred embodiment, the driving module 2 further comprises a sensor such as a hall sensor, the sensor is connected to the controller so that the driving module 2 can work according to the signal that the controller receives from the sensor. For example, the sensor detects whether the first cleaning assembly 5 is installed. Specifically, the first cleaning assembly 5 has a magnet in this case, a hall sensor connected to the controller detects the magnet to determine whether the first cleaning assembly 5 is installed.

In some embodiments, the electric cleaning apparatus 1 further comprises a handle 3. The handle 3 is detachably connected to the driving module 2. In some embodiments, the battery 212 is arranged in the handle 3 instead and the handle 3 can be seen as a part of the body housing 211 in this case. In a further preferred embodiment, the body housing 211 has a threaded hole 2111. One end of the handle 3 has a threaded structure and the threaded structure is detachably fitted with the threaded hole 2111 so that the handle 3 can be connected and detached from the body housing 211.

In some embodiments, the connecting element 22 is irregularly shaped or polygonal. In a further preferred embodiment, the connecting element 22 is hexagonal.

Referring to FIGS. 4-5, the electric cleaning apparatus 1 further comprises a first transmission assembly 214. The first transmission assembly 214. The output shaft of the motor 213 is connected to the input end of the first transmission assembly 214, and the connecting element 22 is connected to the output end of the first transmission assembly 214.

In some embodiments, the first transmission assembly 214 is a planetary gears transmission.

In some embodiments, the transmission ratio of the first transmission assembly 214 is less than 1.

In some embodiments, the first transmission assembly 214 further comprises a first motor gear 2132, three first planet gears 2141, a first planetary carrier 2142, three second planet gears 2144, a second planetary carrier 2145, a first ring gear 2147, and a first shaft 2149. The first ring gear 2147 is fixed to the body housing 211. The first ring gear 2147 has a first internal toothed structure. The outside of the first planet gears 2141 and the outside of the second planet gears 2144 are engaged with the first internal toothed structure of the first ring gear 2147. The first motor gear 2132 is connected to the output shaft of the motor 213 and engaged with the inner side of the second planet gears 2144. The first planetary carrier 2142 has three first carrier shafts 2143 and the three first planet gears 2141 are rotatably fitted to the three first carrier shafts 2143 respectively. The first planetary carrier 2142 further has a first gear structure 21421 on the opposite side of the first carrier shafts 2143 and the first gear structure 21421 is engaged with the inner side of the second planet gears 2144. The second planetary carrier 2145 further has three second carrier shafts 2146. The second planet gears 2144 are rotatably fitted to the second carrier shafts 2146 respectively. The first shaft 2149 is connected to the second planetary carrier 2145 at one end and the connecting element 22 at the other.

In some embodiments, the first transmission assembly 214 further comprises a first bearing 2148. The first bearing 2148 is fixed to the body housing 211 and the first shaft 2149 is fitted to the first bearing 2148.

Referring to FIG. 6, the connecting element 22 comprises a spinning plate 221 and a connector 222 for connecting with external apparatus. The connector 222 is connected to the spinning plate 221. In a further preferred embodiment, the connector 222 is irregular shaped or polygonal. In a further preferred embodiment, the connector 222 is hexagonal.

Referring to FIGS. 7-9, the first cleaning assembly 5 further comprises an outer housing 52 having at least an inlet and an outlet 532, a filtering unit 521 arranged in the outer housing 52, an impeller 55 rotatably arranged in the outer housing 52, an impeller connecting member 54 connected to the impeller 55 directly or indirectly. The impeller connecting member 54 can be detachably connected to the connecting element 22.

In some embodiments, the impeller connecting member 54 is a hexagonal sleeve. In a further preferred embodiment, the connecting element 22 is also hexagonal so that the connecting element 22 can be fitted to the impeller connecting member 54 removably.

In some embodiments, the first cleaning assembly 5 further comprises a second transmission assembly 50. The impeller connecting member 54 is connected to the input end of the second transmission assembly 50. The impeller 55 is connected to the output end of the second transmission assembly 50 so that the rotation of the impeller connecting member 54 can cause the rotation of the impeller 55. The first cleaning assembly 5 can be used as a vacuum cleaner to clean the floor or pool. For example, when the first cleaning assembly 5 is used as a pool vacuum, under the rotation of the impeller 55, the water together with the debris outside of the first cleaning assembly 5 can be driven into the inlet of the outer housing 52, run through the filtering unit 521 where the debris is trapped, and the clean water is discharged out of the outlet 532. In a further preferred embodiment, the driving module 2 further comprises a first transmission assembly 214 connected to the output shaft of the motor 213 and the connecting element 22 respectively. In a further preferred embodiment, the second transmission assembly 50 is a planetary gears transmission. In a further preferred embodiment, the transmission ratio of the second transmission assembly 50 is greater than 1 so that the rotation rate of the connecting element 22 can be lowered so as to be suitable for fixing a brush to the connecting element 22. The transmission ratio of the first transmission assembly 214 is less than 1, allowing the rotation rate to remain relatively high, which drives the first cleaning assembly 5 and ensures adequate suction force.

In some embodiments, the second transmission assembly 50 comprises a third planetary carrier 56, three third planet gears 57, a second ring gear 58, and a pinion element 59. The second ring gear 58 has a second internal toothed structure. The third planet gears 57 are engaged with the second internal toothed structure. The third planetary carrier 56 has a first connecting shaft 561 connected to the impeller connecting member 54 and three third carrier shafts 562 on the opposite side of the first connecting shaft 561. The three third planet gears 57 are fitted to the three third carrier shafts 562 respectively. The pinion element 59 has a pinion 591 on one side and a second connecting shaft 592 on the other. The pinion 591 is engaged with the inner side of the third planet gears 57. The second connecting shaft 592 is connected to the impeller 55.

In some embodiments, the outer housing 52 has a second connecting portion 552. The first connecting portion 2112 is fitted with the second connecting portion 552 so that the driving module 2 can be detachably connected to the first cleaning assembly 5.

In some embodiments, the impeller 55 is arranged near the outlet 532.

In some embodiments, the first cleaning assembly 5 further comprises a suction housing 51. The suction housing 51 is hinged to the outer housing 52. The suction housing 51 has at least one through hole 512 that communicates with the inlet of the outer housing 52.

In some embodiments, the first cleaning assembly 5 further comprises a wheel 511. The wheel 511 is rotatably connected to the suction housing 51. In a further preferred embodiment, the first cleaning assembly 5 has two wheels 511 that are rotatably connected to the suction housing 51. In a further preferred embodiment, the wheel 511 is connected to the bottom of the suction housing 51.

Referring to FIGS. 10-12, the electric cleaning apparatus 1 further comprises a second cleaning assembly 4. The second cleaning assembly 4 can be connected to the connecting element 22 so that the rotation of the connecting element 22 can cause the rotation of the second cleaning assembly 4. Users can remove the first cleaning assembly 5 from the driving module to install the second cleaning assembly 4, or vice versa. By selectively installing the first cleaning assembly 5 and the second cleaning element 4, the electric cleaning apparatus 1 can be selectively used as a vacuum cleaner or a spinning scrubber.

In some embodiments, The second cleaning assembly 4 includes a trigger element, such as a metal piece or magnet. This trigger element activates the sensor in the driving module 2, allowing the driving module 2 to detect whether the second cleaning assembly 4 is installed.

In some embodiments, the second cleaning assembly 4 is a spinning brush head, which enables the electric cleaning apparatus 1 to perform scrubbing by installing the second cleaning assembly 4 on the driving module 2.

In some embodiments, the second cleaning assembly 4 comprises a main body 41 and a connecting part 42 connected to the main body 41. The connecting part 42 can be detachably connected to the connecting element 22. In a further preferred embodiment, the connecting part 42 and the connecting element 22 are snapping structures that match each other. In a further preferred embodiment, the main body 41 has a connecting structure 44, wherein the connecting structure 44 can be connected to an external brush detachably. In a further preferred embodiment, the connecting structure 44 can be connected to an external element such as a brush, a sponge, or a duster.

In some embodiments, the connecting part 42 is a hexagonal sleeve and the connecting element 22 is hexagonal. The connecting element 22 can be detachably fitted to the connecting part 42.

Referring to FIG. 13, in some embodiments, the driving module 2 comprises a first driving assembly 25 and a second driving assembly 26. The second driving assembly 26 is rotatably connected to the first driving assembly 25. The angle between the axis of the first driving assembly 25 and the axis of the second driving assembly 26 is adjustable. In a further preferred embodiment, the axis of the first driving assembly 25 and the axis of the second driving assembly 26 has an angle greater than zero degrees and the relative rotation movement of the first driving assembly 25 to the second driving assembly 26 causes a angular change between the axis of the first driving assembly 25 and the axis of the second driving assembly 26. In a further preferred embodiment, the axis of the first driving assembly 25 and the axis of the second driving assembly 26 has an angle of 30 degrees.

Referring to FIGS. 13-14, the contact surface of the first driving assembly 25 and the second driving assembly 26 has an angle greater than zero degrees with the axis of the first driving assembly 25 and the axis of the second driving assembly 26 respectively so that the relative rotation movement of the first driving assembly 25 to the second driving assembly 26 causes a angular change between the axis of the first driving assembly 25 and the axis of the second driving assembly 26. In a further preferred embodiment, the contact surface of the first driving assembly 25 and the second driving assembly 26 has an angle of 50-80 degrees with the axis of the first driving assembly 25. In a further preferred embodiment, the contact surface of the first driving assembly 25 and the second driving assembly 26 has an angle of 75 degrees with the axis of the first driving assembly 25.

In some embodiments, the battery 212 is arranged in the first driving assembly 25.

In some embodiments, the motor 213 is arranged in the second driving assembly 26 and the connecting element is rotably connected to the second driving assembly 26.

Referring to FIG. 14, the driving module 2 further comprises adjusting button 27. The adjusting button 27 has a bolt element 271. The first driving assembly 25 has a first notch 251 and a rotating space 252. The second driving assembly 26 has a second notch 262 and a groove 261. The adjusting button 27 is movably arranged in the groove 261. When the adjusting button 27 is located in the first position, the bolt element 271 is located in the first notch 251 as well as the second notch 261; when the adjusting button 27 is located in the second position, the bolt element 271 move out of the first notch 251 into the rotating space 252. In the first position, the first driving assembly 25 is locked the second driving assembly 26. In the second position, the first driving assembly 25 rotate relative to the second driving assembly 26 to change the angle between the axis of the first driving assembly 25 and the axis of the second driving assembly 26.

Referring to FIG. 14, the adjusting button 27 has a first guiding structure 272, and the second driving assembly 26 has a second guiding structure 263. The first guiding structure 272 is fitted to the second guiding structure 263 so that the first guiding structure 272 can move along the second guiding structure 263, or vice versa. In a further preferred embodiment, the first guiding structure 272 is a through hole, and the second guiding structure 263 is a guiding rod.

Referring to FIG. 15, in some embodiments, the first cleaning assembly 5 is detachably connected to the second driving assembly 26.

Referring to FIG. 16, in some embodiments, the second cleaning assembly 4 is detachably connected to the second driving assembly 26.

In some embodiments, there is a brush 45 extending from the the second cleaning assembly 4. In some embodiments, the brush 45 is removable and replaceable.

The detailed description of the invention provided herein serves as exemplary embodiments intended to illustrate specific implementations of the inventive concepts. However, it is essential to recognize that these embodiments are not exhaustive and do not limit the scope of the invention. Instead, they represent particular instances chosen for clarity and understanding.

The embodiments disclosed herein are offered as embodiments for consideration, showcasing various features, components, and configurations of the invention. However, the invention encompasses a broad range of possible implementations, variations, and adaptations beyond those explicitly described. These variations may include alternative materials, designs, dimensions, or functionalities, all of which remain within the scope of the invention.

It is crucial to emphasize that the scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims and extends to any modifications, alternatives, or equivalents that fall within the spirit and scope of the invention as described therein. Therefore, while the detailed description provides specific examples, it does not preclude other embodiments or variations that may arise within the scope of the claims.

Furthermore, it is acknowledged that the embodiments described herein may not encompass all potential implementations of the invention. As technology evolves and new insights emerge, additional variations and adaptations may become apparent to those skilled in the art. Such developments are intended to be included within the scope of the invention, provided they adhere to the fundamental principles disclosed herein and are consistent with the scope of the appended claims.

In summary, the embodiments disclosed in the detailed description serve as illustrations of the invention's principles and functionalities. They do not limit the invention to specific configurations or embodiments but instead offer guidance and examples for understanding the broader scope of the inventive concepts. As such, the invention remains open to various modifications, alternatives, and adaptations within the scope of the appended claims.