Cyclone Seal Structure for Single-Direction Vacuum Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional surface cleaning apparatuses with cyclones are bulky and heavy due to large frames that provide a recess for the cyclone housing, making them less suitable for use in confined spaces and requiring complex multi-directional mounting processes.
Innovation Solution
A surface cleaning apparatus design featuring a removably mounted cyclone with an air inlet and outlet configured for single-directional linear mounting, utilizing seals in non-orthogonal planes and a cam member to enhance air-tightness, allowing for a more compact and lightweight structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a large frame with recess is used to accommodate the cyclone housing, then the cyclone can be securely mounted, but the apparatus becomes heavier and bulkier
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the large frame structure with recess from the apparatus design. Instead of using a frame to accommodate the cyclone housing, the cyclone is directly mounted to the base structure through simplified mounting elements, removing the unnecessary frame component that added weight and bulk while compromising mounting security
Solution Approach 2:
The invention applies local quality by concentrating the mounting function at specific localized points rather than distributing it through a large frame structure. Mounting elements are positioned at strategic locations on the base and cyclone housing to provide secure attachment without requiring a comprehensive frame enclosure
2Reliability
If a large frame with recess is used to accommodate the cyclone housing, then the cyclone can be securely mounted, but the apparatus occupies more space
Solution Approach 1:
The large frame structure with recess is extracted and removed from the design. The cyclone mounting is achieved through direct attachment to the base using localized mounting elements, eliminating the frame's spatial occupation and reducing the overall apparatus footprint while maintaining mounting security
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a three-dimensional frame enclosure to a two-dimensional mounting surface approach. The cyclone housing is mounted directly to the base plane through mounting elements, utilizing the vertical dimension for attachment rather than requiring a volumetric frame structure, thereby reducing the horizontal footprint
3Reliability
If multi-directional mounting (downward then rotating) is used to secure the cyclone, then the mounting is secure, but the mounting process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting process is segmented into a single linear motion rather than requiring multiple sequential actions. The cyclone housing is designed with mounting elements that engage with the base through one straightforward downward movement, eliminating the need for rotation or multiple positioning steps while maintaining secure attachment
Solution Approach 2:
The invention inverts the conventional mounting approach by designing the cyclone housing to be mounted in a single linear direction rather than requiring multi-directional assembly. Instead of moving the cyclone downward and then rotating it to a locked position, the mounting elements are configured to secure the cyclone through one simple linear insertion motion
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 simplifies the mounting process, reduces the apparatus's weight and size, enabling easier use in confined spaces while maintaining effective air sealing and cyclone functionality.
Implementation Method 1
the opposed end of the portion of the surface cleaning apparatus on which the component is mounted, and/or the opposed end of the component, may have a cam member to urge the angled sealing surface of the component to its mating angled sealing surface. This caming action can enhance the air tightness of the resultant seal.
Implementation Method 2
the air inlet may slide along its mating seal surface as the component is placed on the surface cleaning apparatus and assist in positioning the component in place
Data Source
AI summary
A surface cleaning apparatus comprises an air flow passage extending from a dirty air inlet to a clean air outlet. A suction motor positioned in the air flow passage. A cyclone is removably mounted to the surface cleaning apparatus and positioned in the air flow path. The cyclone has a cyclone air inlet and a cyclone air outlet. The cyclone is mountable to the surface cleaning apparatus in a mounting direction. An air inlet seal is positioned in a first plane and seals the cyclone air inlet to the airflow passage. An air outlet seal is positioned in a second, non-orthogonal plane and seals the cyclone air outlet to the airflow passage. The air inlet seal and the air outlet seal are concurrently sealed by movement of the cyclone in the mounting direction.