Cyclone Bin Layout for Easier Emptying in Hand Vacuums
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hand vacuum cleaners with cyclonic cleaning stages require the cyclone bin assembly to be removed for emptying, which necessitates the detachment of attached cleaning tools, disrupting the cleaning process and complicating the handling of the device due to the placement of the dirt collection chamber.
Innovation Solution
A hand carryable surface cleaning apparatus design where the suction motor is positioned proximate the handle, with a portion of the dirt collection chamber extending under the suction motor, allowing for improved balance and reduced user effort, and enabling the cyclone bin assembly to be removably mounted as a sealed unit without disconnecting accessories.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the cyclone bin assembly is removed for emptying, then the dirt collection chamber can be emptied, but the attached cleaning tools must be detached and the handling becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The cyclone bin assembly is segmented into separable components (cyclone chamber and dirt collection chamber) that can be independently removed and emptied without detaching the entire vacuum cleaner or cleaning tools, resolving the contradiction between ease of emptying and handling complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The dirt collection chamber is positioned to extend under the suction motor, nesting it within the overall structure. This allows the dirt collection chamber to be accessed and emptied independently while the cyclone chamber remains attached to the main body, eliminating the need to detach cleaning tools
2Device complexity
If the dirt collection chamber is positioned traditionally, then the structure is simple, but the user must exert more force to hold the device
Solution Approach 1:
The dirt collection chamber extends in a new spatial dimension (under the suction motor) rather than only horizontally. This repositioning shifts the center of gravity closer to the user's hand, reducing the moment arm and consequently the force required to hold the device, while maintaining structural simplicity through straightforward integration
3Ease of operation
If the cyclone bin assembly is removed as a unit, then emptying is simplified, but cleaning tools must be disconnected
Solution Approach 1:
The cyclone bin assembly is segmented into the cyclone chamber (removable as a unit) and the dirt collection chamber (positioned under the motor). This segmentation allows the cyclone chamber to be removed for emptying while the dirt collection chamber remains in place, enabling cleaning tools to stay connected and maintaining cleaning continuity
Solution Approach 2:
The dirt collection chamber is pre-positioned under the suction motor during assembly, creating a configuration where the cyclone chamber can be independently removed for emptying without affecting the dirt collection chamber or requiring tool disconnection, thus preserving cleaning continuity
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
Enhances the usability and efficiency of surface cleaning by reducing the force required to hold the device, allowing for easy emptying of the dirt collection chamber without disconnecting tools, and maintaining continuous operation during cyclone bin assembly removal and replacement.
Implementation Method 1
a cyclone bin assembly mounted to the body and comprising a cyclone chamber and a dirt collection chamber
Data Source
AI summary
A hand carryable surface cleaning apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a main body housing a suction motor, and a cyclone bin assembly. The cyclone bin assembly comprises a cyclone chamber and a dirt collection chamber. At least a portion of the dirt collection chamber may extend under at least a portion of the suction motor. The suction motor may be oriented at an angle to a vertical axis and a horizontal axis.