Dual-Fan Air-Particle Separation Layout Without Secondary Pumping

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing air-particle separation technologies, such as those using filter bags and cyclones, face issues with airflow resistance, space consumption, and potential for dirt leakage, particularly in vacuum cleaners, where the secondary pumping action of fans can cause airflow from the particle storage space to the clean air space, leading to contamination.

Innovation Solution

A unit with two hollow fans arranged in series, where one fan (the basic fan) pumps air out of the particle storage space and another fan (the separator fan) counterproductively separates particles, with a gap between the fan arrangement and the housing allowing for free rotation and preventing secondary pumping effects by ensuring the basic fan is not obstructed by a wall, thus preventing airflow from the particle storage space to the clean air space.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a filter bag is used for particle separation, then the separation function is provided, but the airflow resistance increases over time and the device becomes space-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveseparation functionVSAvoidairflow resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical filter bag system with a cyclone separation system that uses centrifugal force generated by rotating air flow. The cyclone separator uses the kinetic energy of the incoming air stream to create a vortex that separates particles from air through centrifugal action, eliminating the need for mechanical filter media that clog over time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If a separation wall is added to prevent dirt leakage, then contamination is prevented, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontamination preventionVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the separation function and the containment function into a single integrated cyclone separator structure. The conical housing and vortex flow path simultaneously achieve particle separation and prevent dirt leakage, eliminating the need for separate separation walls and reducing overall structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Volume of stationary object

If the basic fan is positioned close to a wall to reduce space, then the device size is reduced, but secondary pumping effects cause airflow from particle storage space to clean air space

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice sizeVSAvoidairflow control
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses the conical geometry of the cyclone separator to create a three-dimensional vortex flow pattern that controls air movement in multiple directions. The downward倾斜 outlet opening and conical shape guide the air flow along the wall surface, using the vertical dimension and radial components to prevent horizontal leakage while maintaining compact size.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This configuration effectively prevents dirt leakage and simplifies assembly by eliminating the need for a separation wall, reducing material usage and manufacturing complexity, while maintaining efficient particle separation and clean air output.

Implementation Method 1

the air containing particles is blown at high speed into the particle storage space, in a direction tangential to the wall of the space, so that a vortex is realized. The dirt particles are made to move to the wall of the space under the influence of centrifugal force

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCentrifugal force: Centrifugal Force

Implementation Method 2

the air containing particles is blown at high speed into the particle storage space, in a direction tangential to the wall of the space, so that a vortex is realized

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVortex flow: Vortex Ring

Data Source

PatentEP2456345B1Unit for pumping air containing particles and separating the particles from the air
Publication Date: 2012.12.05 KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS NV
  • EP2456345B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2456345B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A unit (2) for pumping air containing particles (5) and separating the particles (5) from the air comprises a housing (10) having a space (20) for receiving and storing the particles (5), and an air pumping device (30) being arranged inside the housing (10) and comprising a basic fan (31) intended for pumping air out of the particle storage space (20), and another fan (32) intended for separating the particles (5) from the air. A gap (22) is present between the fan arrangement of the air pumping device (30) and the housing (10), and in order to avoid a flow of air containing particles (5) through the gap (22), at least a major portion of the basic fan (31) is uncovered, so that a relatively strong pumping action on the basis of an interaction of an outer surface of the basic fan (31) with a stationary wall is avoided.