Curved Rectangular Filter for Vacuum Cleaner Airflow Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vacuum cleaners face challenges in space efficiency and airflow distribution due to the use of cylindrical filters, which can lead to concentrated airflow and inefficient use of space, especially in space-constrained designs.
Innovation Solution
A curved or bowed rectangular filter is positioned adjacent to the power head and fan inlet, spreading airflow across a larger area while minimizing space occupation, with a pleated paper filter media and bowed sidewalls for sealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a cylindrical filter is used in conventional vacuum cleaners, then the filter structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the airflow becomes concentrated and space efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The filter element is designed with a curved or bowed configuration instead of a flat or cylindrical shape. This curvature causes airflow to follow the contour of the filter, distributing air across a broader area of the filter surface and preventing concentration at specific points, thereby improving airflow distribution efficiency while maintaining compact space occupation
Solution Approach 2:
The filter transitions from a two-dimensional flat or simple cylindrical form to a three-dimensional curved structure that bows outward. This dimensional change allows the filter to occupy less linear space while providing a larger effective filtering surface area, improving both space efficiency and airflow distribution
2Volume of moving object
If a flat planar filter is used, then space occupation is minimized, but airflow becomes focused on the portion directly under the blower
Solution Approach 1:
By curving or bowing the filter element outward from the housing, the design maintains the compact space occupation of a flat filter while adding dimensional complexity that redirects airflow. The curved surface causes air to follow the contour, distributing flow across the entire filter surface rather than concentrating it under the blower
3Productivity
If a curved filter is used to improve airflow distribution, then airflow concentration is prevented, but the filter complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The filter element is constructed as a flexible or semi-flexible structure that can be formed into a curved shape. This allows the complex bowed configuration to be achieved through material properties and forming processes rather than rigid structural components, maintaining manufacturing simplicity while achieving the desired airflow distribution through curvature
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 design maximizes the usable capacity of the vacuum drum while preventing airflow concentration, improving airflow distribution and space efficiency without increasing the filter's physical presence.
Implementation Method 1
a filter including a frame and a filter media attached to the frame, the filter media being curved away from the power head
Data Source
AI summary
A vacuum cleaner having a power head, a collection drum, and a filter. The filter of the present invention is of rectangular cross section about the vertical axis, but is curved away from the power head under the blower along at least one horizontal axis.