Analysis and Optimization of Rib Designs for Vibration Reduction in Thin Plastic Vacuum Cleaner’s Cleaner Heads

Lee, Han (2026) Analysis and Optimization of Rib Designs for Vibration Reduction in Thin Plastic Vacuum Cleaner’s Cleaner Heads. Final Year Project (Bachelor), Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology.

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Abstract

Thin plastic housings in vacuum cleaner’s cleaner heads often suffer from low stiffness, making them susceptible to vibration transmission and resonance. This project investigates the use of rib geometries to reinforce polypropylene (PP) panels within the cleaner head, with the aim of reducing structural vibration while maintaining low weight. The methodology combined finite element simulations and experimental validation. Modal and harmonic response analyses were conducted on baseline and ribbed PP models to evaluate changes in natural frequencies and vibration amplitudes under simulated operating conditions. An impedance tube simulation was also performed to examine the behaviour of rib-reinforced flat plates for potential wider structural applications. Experimental measurements were carried out using a custom-built medium-density fibreboard (MDF) sound isolation box and a Brüel & Kjær Type 2250 sound level meter to record the vibration-induced acoustic output of the cleaner head under controlled conditions. Results showed that rib reinforcement consistently increased natural frequencies and significantly reduced displacement amplitudes at resonance peaks, indicating a lower risk of excitation from the brush bar motor. Among the three geometries studied, Rib Design 3 demonstrated the most balanced performance, offering substantial vibration reduction with minimal added mass. The findings confirm that targeted rib reinforcement is a lightweight and practical design strategy for improving the structural vibration behaviour of vacuum cleaner’s cleaner heads and similar thin plastic components