Cyclone Dirt Outlet Layout for Tilted Hand Vacuum Cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surface cleaning apparatus, such as hand vacuum cleaners, face challenges in maintaining dirt collection efficiency when tilted, as dirt can block outlets and reduce capacity, especially when used at angles to the horizontal.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a cyclone stage with two spaced-apart dirt outlets, one forward and one rear, allows for alternate dirt exit paths regardless of the device's tilt, ensuring continuous operation even when the cleaner is used at angles, and an improved air flow path with a pre-motor filter accessible for cleaning and a handle design that reduces user effort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a single dirt outlet is used in the cyclone chamber, then the device structure is simple, but the dirt collection capacity is reduced and the outlet may be blocked when the device is tilted
Solution Approach 1:
The cyclone chamber is segmented with multiple dirt outlets (first dirt outlet and second dirt outlet) positioned at different locations. This segmentation allows the system to handle dirt discharge from multiple directions, preventing blockage when tilted and increasing overall dirt collection capacity without requiring a completely different chamber design.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution transitions from a single-point dirt outlet to a multi-point distribution system in three-dimensional space. By positioning outlets at different locations and orientations within the cyclone chamber, the system exploits spatial dimensions to ensure at least one outlet remains accessible regardless of the device's tilt angle.
2Productivity
If the dirt outlet is positioned at the lower end of the cyclone chamber, then dirt discharge is efficient in horizontal position, but the outlet may be blocked when the device is tilted upward
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the cyclone chamber are equipped with different outlet characteristics. The first dirt outlet is positioned to handle horizontal discharge efficiently, while the second dirt outlet is positioned to handle tilted positions. This local differentiation ensures that whichever outlet is active depends on the device orientation, maintaining both efficiency and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adapts to the device's operational orientation by having multiple outlets available. As the tilt angle changes, the effective outlet shifts from one position to another, allowing the system to maintain reliable dirt discharge across varying operational conditions without mechanical adjustment.
3Ease of operation
If the pre-motor filter is positioned in a location that is easy to access, then filter cleaning is simplified, but the air flow path may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The air treatment system is segmented into separate functional zones: the cyclone chamber for dirt separation and the pre-motor filter housing for filtration. This segmentation allows the filter to be accessed independently through a removable housing without disrupting the cyclone chamber's air flow path or seal integrity.
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 dirt collection capacity and maintains functionality at various angles, improves ergonomics by reducing user effort, and allows for easy filter cleaning and dirt collection chamber emptying.
Implementation Method 1
a cyclone stage downstream of the dirty fluid inlet, the cyclone stage comprising a cyclone chamber
Implementation Method 2
the cyclone chamber has two dirt outlets which are preferably positioned front and rear
Data Source
AI summary
A hand carriable surface cleaning apparatus, such as a cyclonic hand vacuum cleaner, is provided wherein a conduit is in communication with the cyclone air outlet. The conduit extends through the pre-motor filter and is in communication with the upstream side of the pre-motor filter.