Automatic filter cleaning system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing filter cleaning systems for vacuum cleaners are complex, expensive, and require control electronics, making them inefficient and costly, with alternatives like leaf-springs being difficult to adjust and requiring additional components.
Innovation Solution
A backflow automatic filter cleaning system using an electrical motor to drive a spring-loaded piston that activates a filter cleaning valve, creating a 'hammer effect' to clean the filter without the need for control electronics, utilizing a piston guide and compression spring to convert rotary motion into axial movement and control the cleaning interval.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If solenoid valves and direction valves are used to control back flow for filter cleaning, then the filter cleaning effectiveness is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex electrical control systems (solenoid valves, direction valves, control electronics) with a purely mechanical timing mechanism. The motor-driven cam mechanism mechanically opens the backflow passage at specific intervals, eliminating the need for electrical actuators and control circuits while maintaining reliable filter cleaning functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the vacuum cleaner's own operating parameters (motor rotation, internal air pressure) to automatically trigger the cleaning cycle. The cam mechanism is driven by the motor itself, and the high-pressure air for cleaning comes from the vacuum's own suction, making the system self-sufficient without external control systems.
2Ease of operation
If control electronics are used to manage the filter cleaning system, then the cleaning timing and duration can be precisely controlled, but the cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes electronic control with a mechanical cam-timer mechanism. The cam's rotation profile mechanically determines the precise timing and duration of valve opening, providing controlled cleaning cycles without any electronics. The motor's rotation speed and cam geometry together define the cleaning schedule.
3Reliability
If multiple valves and filters are used for back flow cleaning, then the cleaning effectiveness is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into a single integrated mechanism. The cam mechanism simultaneously controls the timing, opens the backflow passage, and utilizes the existing vacuum air stream for cleaning. The single backflow passage serves both as the cleaning medium conduit and the activation mechanism, eliminating the need for separate valves and filters for each function.
4Ease of operation
If leaf-springs are used to control valve opening, then the mechanical action is achieved, but the adjustment difficulty and maintenance complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the leaf-spring mechanism with a cam-driven system. The cam's fixed geometric profile provides consistent valve actuation without requiring adjustment, and the mechanical advantage is provided by the cam's shape rather than spring tension, making the system more maintainable and less prone to adjustment issues.
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
The system provides a simple, durable, and cost-effective filter cleaning solution that effectively maintains high airflow by eliminating the need for complex electronics and allows for adjustable cleaning intervals through mechanical means, ensuring efficient filter maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
one or more filter cleaning valve(s) configured to open for one more filter cleaning back flow air stream(s) to flow into one or more filter(s), where said one or more filter cleaning valves are configured to be activated, directly or indirectly, by the piston and a piston guide, whereby the piston guide and the one or more compression spring(s) are arranged to convert the rotary movement of the piston into an axial movement of the piston
Implementation Method 2
When the piston hits the filter cleaning valve, it opens for a short period of time, thus creating a 'hammer effect' that will overcome the flow forces acting on the filter cleaning valve
Implementation Method 3
an electrical motor configured to drive or rotate, directly or indirectly, a piston
Data Source
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AI summary
An automatic filter cleaning system e.g for cleaning a filter in a vacuum cleaner. The cleaning system has an electrical motor that drives/rotates, directly/indirectly, a piston which directly/indirectly opens a filter cleaning valve. The filter cleaning valve may open for a filter cleaning back flow air stream that thus cleans the filter. The piston is spring loaded and a piston guide ensures that the energy accumulated in the spring and piston is released during the rotation of the piston, thereby shortly opening the filter cleaning valve.