Vacuum Dust Collector Layout for Compact Multi-Cyclone Separation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing dust collectors with multi-cyclone structures face challenges in maintaining a compact design while maintaining effective air flow and cleaning performance, often resulting in reduced suction force and frequent dust disposal due to increased height and interference between cyclone units, as well as inconvenient dust discharge processes.

Innovation Solution

A dust collector design featuring a first cyclone unit for filtering dust, a second cyclone unit for separating fine dust, and a fine dust collecting unit, with the second cyclone unit divided into left and right portions to enhance cleaning performance and space efficiency, allowing for simultaneous discharge of dust and fine dust through a V-shaped arrangement and a handle placement that facilitates user convenience.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Length of stationary object

If the second cyclone unit is laminated on the first cyclone unit to reduce height, then the overall height of the dust collector is reduced, but the air flow introduction is reduced and guide passages interfere with each other

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheight of dust collectorVSAvoidair flow introduction
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of stationary objectVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The second cyclone unit is disposed inside the first cyclone unit, with the guide passage of the second cyclone unit arranged within the separation chamber of the first cyclone unit. This nested arrangement allows both cyclone units to coexist in a compact vertical space without significant height increase, while maintaining proper air flow paths for both units.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The guide passage of the second cyclone unit is positioned in the vertical dimension within the separation chamber of the first cyclone unit, utilizing the vertical space that would otherwise be unused. This dimensional arrangement allows the second cyclone to receive air flow from the first cyclone's separation chamber without interfering with the first cyclone's guide passage.

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

2Length of stationary object

If the second cyclone unit is disposed inside or outside the first cyclone unit to reduce height, then the height is reduced, but the number of second cyclone units is significantly decreased and sucking force is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheight of dust collectorVSAvoidsucking force
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The second cyclone unit is nested inside the first cyclone unit's separation chamber, allowing multiple second cyclone units to be arranged in series within the vertical space. This arrangement maintains a compact height while preserving the number of cyclone units, thereby maintaining sufficient sucking force for effective cleaning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Device complexity

If steps are increased to laminate the second cyclone unit, then the arrangement efficiency is improved, but the overall height of the dust collector increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvearrangement efficiencyVSAvoidheight of dust collector
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The second cyclone unit is nested inside the first cyclone unit's separation chamber, eliminating the need for multiple external steps or levels. This nested configuration achieves efficient arrangement of multiple cyclone units without increasing the overall height, as the second cyclone utilizes the internal vertical space of the first cyclone.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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 design improves cleaning performance by efficiently arranging more second cyclones, reduces the overall height of the dust collector, and enables simultaneous and convenient discharge of dust and fine dust, preventing scattering and improving user experience.

Implementation Method 1

a first cyclone unit capable of filtering out dust from air introduced from outside

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCyclone separation: Cyclone Separation

Implementation Method 2

separating dust or dirt from the air to discharge clean air

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCentrifugal force: Centrifugal Force

Implementation Method 3

a second cyclone unit capable of separating fine dust from the air introduced into the first cyclone unit

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCyclone separation: Cyclone Separation

Data Source

PatentEP3247251B1Dust collector for vacuum cleaner
Publication Date: 2019.09.18 LG ELECTRONICS INC
  • EP3247251B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3247251B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3247251B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A dust collector for a vacuum cleaner disclosed herein includes an outer case forming a lateral appearance of the dust collector, and provided with a first cyclone unit capable of filtering out dust from externally-introduced air and allowing an introduction of the dust-filtered air therein, and an upper case coupled to an upper portion of the outer case to cover the first cyclone unit, the outer case including a second cyclone unit capable of separating fine dust from the air introduced into the first cyclone unit, and a fine dust collecting unit capable of collecting the fine dust separated through the second cyclone unit, wherein the second cyclone unit includes a left cyclone portion and a right cyclone portion disposed at both left and right sides of the fine dust collecting unit and each having outlets, each of the outlets communicating with an inside of the fine dust collecting unit.