Page 204 - Inventions - A Visual Encyclopedia (DK - Smithsonian)

James Dyson

One of the most successful British inventors of recent
decades, James Dyson has created numerous devices
▶ IN THE
for use both inside and outside the home, most WORKSHOP
notably the cyclonic vacuum cleaner. All his inventions Dyson’s workshops
have created more
have a similar backstory—Dyson spotted a flaw in than 50 types of
cyclonic cleaner,
an existing, widely used device and decided that he
from giant industrial
AT HOME could come up with innovations to improve it. handheld versions.
machines to

THE BALLBARROW THE CYCLONIC VACUUM CLEANER
Dyson’s first major inventing success was a new In 1978, Dyson set about inventing a bagless vacuum
type of wheelbarrow. He was inspired to create the cleaner based on cyclonic technology (see p.201).
product by his experiences of getting the narrow He built 5,127 prototypes before he had a working
wheel of his own barrow stuck in the mud while version. Dyson’s first cyclonic cleaner, the G-Force,
gardening. Dyson solved the was launched in Japan in the mid-1980s. A later
problem by replacing version, the Dyson DC01, became a global
the wheel with a phenomenon, prompting other companies to
plastic ball, which produce their own cyclonic cleaners.
spread the load,
making the barrow
easier to use on
soft ground.
The ball at the front
of the barrow makes
it simpler to steer.

FAILURES
Along with his successes, Dyson suffered a few failures,
including the Contrarotator (also known as the CR01) The Contrarotator’s
two drums had
washing machine in 2000. It had two counter-rotating
more than 5,000
drums, which were meant to spin clothes drier than holes to remove
other models. However, it was expensive and sold water quickly.
poorly. Its production was stopped after a few years.

TIMELINE
1947 1970 1974 1978

Dyson is born on May 2. He While studying, he helps to Dyson sets up a company to He starts working on developing
goes on to study furniture design the Rotork Sea Truck, manufacture his first successful the cyclonic vacuum cleaner. By
design and interior design a high-speed landing craft invention, the Ballbarrow, 1983, he has produced a model, but
at the Royal College of used by the British military. which wins the Building Design he is unable to find a manufacturer
Art in the 1960s. Innovation Award in 1977. to invest in his product.

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