Cyclone Module Layout for Low-Height Stable Vacuum Cleaners

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vacuum cleaners with cyclonic dirt separation systems face challenges in efficiently separating dust and debris while maintaining stability and reducing the overall height, particularly in canister designs where the cyclone separator and dirt collection chamber orientation affects the unit's balance and cleanliness.

Innovation Solution

A vacuum cleaner design featuring a cyclone module with a separation chamber having an inlet opening at the lower portion, a cyclone outlet at the lower portion, and an exhaust grill that directs dirty air in an upward helical path for separation, with a debris outlet guiding dust into an adjacent dust collection chamber, and a removable filter assembly for improved airflow and cleaning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If the cyclone separator and dirt collection chamber are positioned in a vertically stacked orientation, then the separation efficiency is improved, but the overall height of the cyclone module increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveseparation efficiencyVSAvoidoverall height
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from a vertical stacking arrangement to a horizontal parallel arrangement of the cyclone separator and dirt collection chamber. This dimensional change allows the components to be positioned side-by-side rather than one above the other, reducing the overall height of the module while maintaining the functional relationship between separation and collection chambers

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Length of moving object

If the cyclone separator and dirt collection chamber are positioned horizontally, then the overall height is reduced, but the center of gravity stability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoverall heightVSAvoidcenter of gravity stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of moving objectVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent positions the dirt collection chamber beneath the cyclone separator in a horizontal arrangement, using the weight of the collected debris as a counterbalancing element. This strategic placement of mass lower in the structure helps lower the center of gravity and improve stability, counteracting the potential instability from the horizontal orientation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #8Anti-weight (Counterweight)

3Ease of repair

If the exhaust grill is made removable, then the ease of maintenance is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of maintenanceVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of repairVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The exhaust grill is designed as a separate, removable component that can be detached from the cyclone separator assembly. This segmentation allows the grill to be easily removed for cleaning and maintenance without disassembling the entire cyclone module, while the modular design minimizes the increase in overall device complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 enhances the separation efficiency of dust and debris, improves the stability of the vacuum cleaner by lowering the center of gravity, and allows for easy maintenance by making components like the exhaust grill and filter assembly removable.

Implementation Method 1

highspeed rotational motion of the air/dirt to separate the dirt by centrifugal force

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCentrifugal force: Centrifugal Force

Implementation Method 2

maintain a flow of dirty air from the inlet port through the cyclone separation chamber

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectNegative pressure: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentEP2201875B1Vacuum cleaner and cyclone module therefor
Publication Date: 2013.04.24 BISSELL HOMECARE INC
  • EP2201875B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2201875B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2201875B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A vacuum cleaner with a cyclone module assembly comprising a separation chamber for separating dust and debris from air, a dirt collection chamber for collecting dust and debris that is separated from the air in the cyclone separation chamber, wherein the separation chamber further includes an exhaust grill that is removable for cleaning.