Cyclone Bin Assembly Structure for Fine Particle Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surface cleaning apparatuses, such as vacuum cleaners, face inefficiencies in separating dirt particles due to re-entrainment and fouling of suction motors and filters, particularly with fine particles, as existing cyclonic cleaning stages and filters do not effectively disentangle all dirt from the airflow.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a cyclone chamber and dirt collection chamber assembly with varying cross-sectional areas to enhance separation efficiency, along with a fine particle separator that accelerates air velocity to disentangle fine particles, and features like ribs and recesses to disrupt airflow and prevent re-entrainment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a cyclone chamber is used to separate dirt particles from airflow, then separation efficiency is improved, but fine particles are re-entrained and foul the suction motor and filters
Solution Approach 1:
The cyclone assembly is divided into multiple functional chambers: a cyclone chamber for initial separation, an air recirculation chamber for fine particle removal, and a dirt collection chamber. This segmentation allows different separation mechanisms to operate at different stages, preventing fine particle re-entrainment while maintaining high separation efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The air recirculation chamber is positioned within or adjacent to the cyclone chamber, creating a nested configuration where air flows through multiple separation zones. This nested structure enables sequential separation where air recirculates through the cyclone chamber multiple times, progressively removing finer particles without re-entrainment.
2Measurement precision
If the cross-sectional area of the dirt collection chamber is varied, then separation efficiency is enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The dirt collection chamber features a variable cross-sectional area with different heights at different locations. The chamber height varies from a first height at the cyclone chamber end to a second height at the opposite end, creating localized optimization of air flow patterns and particle deposition zones without requiring complete structural redesign.
Solution Approach 2:
The cross-sectional area parameter of the dirt collection chamber is varied along its length to optimize separation efficiency. By changing the chamber height parameter locally, the invention enhances particle capture without proportionally increasing overall device complexity.
3Measurement precision
If air velocity is increased in the fine particle separator, then fine particle separation is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The air recirculation chamber enables continuous circulation of air through the cyclone chamber multiple times. This continuous action maintains high air velocity for fine particle separation without requiring additional energy input for separate processing stages, as the same air mass is reused repeatedly.
Solution Approach 2:
The air recirculation system uses the existing airflow from the cyclone chamber to drive fine particle separation in the recirculation chamber. The system essentially uses its own airflow to perform multiple separation functions, reducing the need for additional energy-intensive forcing mechanisms.
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 improves the separation of dirt particles, reducing re-entrainment and fouling, leading to a more efficient cleaning process and extended apparatus lifespan by effectively capturing fine particles before they reach the suction motor and filters.
Implementation Method 1
The rotation of the air in the cyclone results in some of the particulate matter in the airflow stream being disentrained from the airflow stream
Implementation Method 2
The rotation of the air in the cyclone results in some of the particulate matter in the airflow stream being disentrained from the airflow stream
Implementation Method 3
If the cross sectional area of the portion of the dirt collection chamber distal to the dirt inlet is less than the opposed portion adjacent the dirt inlet, then the air will slow down as it enters the upper portion
Data Source
AI summary
A surface cleaning apparatus comprises a cyclone bin assembly having a sidewall surrounding a contiguous interior volume and comprising multiple segments if different profile and width.