Vacuum efficiency.
I would love to make the wonderful Connie more efficient. Anyone can use a 12 amp motor and make a screamer, but power is really a balance between motor, fan, and fan chamber. I have read some comparisons between the Dyson and recent-model Kirby vacuum cleaners and although the Dyson has a more powerful motor, the Kirby was the more powerful vacuum.
First, add a power-nozzle.
Second, try to get a more efficient fan and fan chamber.
Third, add a motor-cooling fan and motor cooling vents independent of the air-flow for cleaning. That way the motor's cooling would be more consistent regardless of load.
Fourth, a redesign the bottom of the canister so that instead of having the plastic base, there would be a tough, inflatable nylon ring around the perimeter. Upon startup, the vacuum would exhaust into the ring (causing the vacuum to rise 2 inches or so). The ring would exhaust to the space under the canister. The exhausted air would then go underneath the inflated ring to the room. The advantage would be a better seal between the base and the floor to compensate for differing floor height (worn or sculpted carpet vs. thick-pile carpet).
I had a housemate with an 843 Connie in a 100 year old house. The suction was great, but the wooden floor boards had worn and settled unevenly. When the Connie came to a spot with a dip in the floor, the cushion of air would escape through the dip and the canister would drop to the floor and have to be lifted or dragged.
I guess I'm trying to turn the Connie into a "Hoovercraft,"
Dave
