BOSCH COMPANION

vaccum cleaning system for wheelchair users

Companion is a vacuum cleaner system that allows wheelchair users to clean their own living space effortlessly and flexibly. Of big importance is the quickly attachable bracket, which enables the user to clean larger areas with both arms available for moving around. When needed, the device can be removed from the holder with one hand, the attachment can be changed and the free operation of the vacuum cleaner is possible.

Term Project 
4 months
FH Joanneum Graz

In collaboration with:

01

PROCESS

Briefing

“Design a cordless vacuum cleaner for a very specific user group that is economically relevant and has unique requirements.“

Relevance

• 1.5 million wheelchair users in Germany

• 85 million worldwide independence mobility freedom

Pain Points

• lack of mobility while cleaning

• time-consuming changing of attachments

• difficult access when stored

User Group

In conversation with an independent wheelchair user, existing problems were defined and possible solutions were discussed.

Idea

A modular system that allows for free movement and effortless handling.

Mock-Up

Ergonomics, size and proportion were evaluated by building rough prototypes out of foam and plastic pipes.

Shape Ideation

According to the findings of the mock-up-stage, the shape of the main unit was developed.

Technical Ideation

In the next step, the mechanisms for the wheelchair mount and the attachment connections were developed.

02

FINAL DESIGN

Bosch Companion

Companion is a cordless vacuum cleaner system that allows wheelchair users to clean their own living space effortlessly and flexibly. Of big importance is the quickly attachable bracket, which enables the user to clean larger areas with both arms available for moving around. When needed, the device can be removed from the holster and the free operation of the vacuum cleaner is possible.

Package

 The most important feature of the package is the symmetrical layout of batteries which is placed right beneath the handle to reduce stress on the wrist when holding the device.

Model Making

In order to test the final ergonomics and evaluate the design in a more realistic way, a design model with reduced funcionality was built.

Final Model

The final model was then mounted to a wheelchair to test and display the design.

Attachments

Switching attachments is possible using only one hand. Simply pull the ejection trigger, pull out the main unit and snap it into the needed attachment.

narrow spaces and details

larger areas underneath furniture

floors and large open surfaces

Cleaning Scenarios

Different cleaning scenarios can be managed by using the mobile attachments by hand, or simply driving while leaving the main body in the wheelchair mount.

Waste Disposal

Emptying the dust collector is an easy task achieved by sliding the lower half of the collector to the front.

For cleaning the filter turn it for 30° to the left, pull it out and clean filter and filter case separately.