Cyclone Filter Cleaning Using Airflow to Preserve Suction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cyclone dust-separating apparatuses in vacuum cleaners face inefficiencies in separating minute dust particles, leading to reduced suction force and the need for manual filter cleaning, which increases fabrication costs when using motor-driven solutions.
Innovation Solution
A cyclone dust-separating apparatus with a cleaning unit that uses external air to automatically brush away dust from filters without external power, closing the air passage during filter cleaning to enhance efficiency and reduce costs by eliminating the need for a separate motor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a filter unit is installed between the cyclone unit and outflow pipe to separate minute dust, then dust-separating efficiency is improved, but suction force is deteriorated when the filter is choked with accumulated dust
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a preliminary cleaning action by providing a cleaning blade that automatically contacts and removes dust from the filter surface before the filter becomes completely choked. This preliminary maintenance action prevents the severe deterioration of suction force that would occur if the filter were allowed to accumulate dust until complete blockage, thus resolving the contradiction between maintaining high dust-separation efficiency and preserving suction force.
2Extent of automation
If a motor-driven rotation bar with flap is used to automatically clean the filter, then filter cleaning is automated, but fabrication costs are increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the motor component from the filter cleaning system, replacing it with a passive mechanical cleaning blade that operates automatically through the natural airflow and pressure differential in the cyclone separator. This removal of the motor element eliminates the associated fabrication costs while preserving the automated cleaning function, thus resolving the contradiction between automation extent and manufacturing cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning blade is designed to operate autonomously without external power sources, utilizing the self-generated airflow and pressure differential within the cyclone separator to maintain filter cleanliness. This self-service mechanism achieves automated filter cleaning without requiring additional motors or power systems, thereby resolving the contradiction between automation and fabrication cost.
3Extent of automation
If external air is used to rotate a fan and transmit force through gears to a rapping plate for dust bag cleaning, then filter cleaning is achieved, but suction force is divided into two air passages reducing cleaning efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the gear transmission mechanism and intermediate fan components from the dust cleaning system. Instead, it employs a direct-contact cleaning blade that is activated by the primary suction airflow, eliminating the need to divide the air passage. This extraction of unnecessary components allows the full suction force to be applied to dust collection while still achieving automated cleaning, thus resolving the contradiction between automation and cleaning efficiency.
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 apparatus effectively cleans filters without manual disassembly, improving filter cleaning efficiency and reducing fabrication costs by utilizing internal air flow to drive the cleaning mechanism, while maintaining effective dust separation and collection.
Implementation Method 1
a cyclone chamber (123a) to whirl first air drawn in from the outside, thus to separate dust or dirt from the first air
Implementation Method 2
a cyclone chamber (123a) to whirl first air drawn in from the outside, thus to separate dust or dirt from the first air
Implementation Method 3
a filter unit (120) disposed in a filtering chamber (129) and having a filter (125) to filter dust or dirt from the first air
Implementation Method 4
a cleaning unit (170) to brush away dust or dirt accumulated in the filter (125) by using second air drawn in from the outside
Data Source
AI summary
A cyclone dust-separating apparatus of a vacuum cleaner is disclosed. The cyclone dust-separating apparatus includes a cyclone unit having a cyclone chamber to whirl first air drawn in from the outside thus to separate dust or dirt therefrom, a filter unit disposed in a filtering chamber located in a downstream of the cyclone unit and having a filter to filter dust or dirt from the first air, a cleaning unit to brush away the dust or dirt accumulated in the filter by using second air drawn in from the outside, and a dust collecting unit to collect and store the dust or dirt separated from the first air by the cyclone chamber and the dust or dirt brushed away from the filter by the cleaning unit.