Cyclone module for vacuum cleaner
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cyclone modules in vacuum cleaners often have limitations in debris collection efficiency and ease of emptying, particularly due to obstructed airflow and separate collection chamber mechanisms that complicate the process of disposing of collected dirt and fines.
Innovation Solution
The cyclone module design features an elevated fines catcher and a dirt door that allows simultaneous emptying of primary and secondary dirt collection chambers, along with independent or simultaneous actuation of doors, and incorporates debris management features like tines to prevent re-entrainment and facilitate easy emptying without obstructing the airflow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a conventional cyclone module uses a centrally-located tube for fines collection extending to the bottom wall, then the fines collection chamber is compact, but the bottom wall must be opened to empty fines which complicates the emptying process and may obstruct airflow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the fines collection chamber in an elevated location above the bottom wall of the cyclone module, changing the vertical dimension arrangement. This allows the fines chamber to be emptied through a separate door at the elevated position without requiring opening of the bottom wall, thus resolving the contradiction between compact volume and ease of emptying while maintaining unobstructed airflow through the bottom wall area.
2Device complexity
If the fines collection chamber bottom end is positioned at the same level as the bulk collection chamber bottom wall, then the structure is simplified, but the doors for emptying would interfere with each other and obstruct airflow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by elevating the fines collection chamber to a higher vertical position above the bulk collection chamber bottom wall. This dimensional separation allows both chambers to have independent door access points that do not interfere with each other, enabling simultaneous or independent emptying operations without obstructing airflow paths.
3Device complexity
If a single door is used to empty both bulk and fines collection chambers, then the emptying mechanism is simplified, but the door must touch dirty areas requiring cleaning and may obstruct airflow when closed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the emptying mechanism into separate doors: a first door for the bulk collection chamber and a second door for the elevated fines collection chamber. This segmentation allows each door to be operated independently, both doors can remain closed during operation to maintain seals, and neither door needs to touch dirty areas of the other chamber, thus resolving the contradiction between mechanism simplicity and ease of operation.
4Productivity
If the cyclone module provides sufficient space in the primary chamber for effective separation, then debris collection efficiency is improved, but the overall module size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the vertical dimensioning of the cyclone module by elevating the fines collection chamber above the bulk collection chamber. This allows the primary cyclone chamber to have sufficient horizontal space for effective separation while the overall module volume is efficiently utilized through vertical stacking, resolving the contradiction between collection efficiency and module size.
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 enhances debris collection efficiency by providing more space in the primary chamber, effectively agglomerating dust and hair, and allows for a convenient one-step emptying process without touching dirty areas, improving overall cyclone module performance.
Implementation Method 1
Some dirt separators use one or more frusto-conical-shaped separator(s) and others use high-speed rotational motion of the air/dirt to separate the dirt by centrifugal force
Implementation Method 2
effectively agglomerating dust and hair
Implementation Method 3
a suction source configured to generate a working airstream through the working air path
Data Source
AI summary
A cyclone module for a vacuum cleaner includes a primary separator, a bulk collection chamber, at least one secondary separator, and a fines collection chamber. First and second doors are provided for closing debris outlets at the bottom ends of the bulk and fines collection chambers, respectively. The fines collection chamber is elevated within the bulk collection chamber, with the second door spaced above the first door.