Cyclonic Surface Cleaner with Tool-Based Air Outlet Screen Cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cyclonic air treatment systems for surface cleaning apparatuses require users to manually insert their hands to clean internal components, such as the air outlet screen, which is inconvenient and potentially unpleasant due to dirt accumulation.
Innovation Solution
A surface cleaning apparatus design featuring a moveable member with a handle and driving linkage that allows longitudinal translation through the air treatment chamber, enabling the cleaning of the air outlet screen without hand insertion, and includes a mechanism for opening the air treatment chamber end to facilitate dirt removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If users manually insert their hands to clean internal components, then cleaning can be performed, but convenience deteriorates and exposure to dirt increases
Solution Approach 1:
A cleaning member with cleaning elements is introduced as an intermediary tool between the user and the air outlet screen. This cleaning member can be operated through a slot in the chamber wall, allowing cleaning to occur without direct hand insertion into the dirty environment. The cleaning member acts as a mediator that protects the user from direct exposure to accumulated dirt while still enabling effective cleaning of the porous member.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning system is segmented into separate functional components: a cleaning member with cleaning elements, a drive mechanism with driving linkage, and a slot interface. This segmentation allows the cleaning function to be separated from the user's direct involvement, enabling the cleaning action to occur within the sealed chamber while the user operates controls from outside.
2Ease of operation
If a moveable cleaning member with driving linkage is implemented, then cleaning convenience improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The driving linkage mechanism is designed to perform multiple functions: it transmits user input forces to move the cleaning member, provides mechanical advantage for effective cleaning pressure, and can be integrated with the existing chamber structure. The slot serves both as a guide for the cleaning member and as an interface for the driving linkage, reducing the need for separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning system is designed to be self-contained and self-operating to the extent possible. The driving linkage converts simple user motion into effective cleaning action automatically. The cleaning member moves along a predetermined path defined by the slot, eliminating the need for complex control systems or multiple actuators.
3Ease of manufacture
If the air treatment chamber end is made openable, then dirt removal is facilitated, but structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The chamber end is designed to be dynamically openable rather than permanently fixed. This allows the structure to transition between closed (during operation) and open (during maintenance) states. The openable design enables easy access for dirt removal and cleaning member replacement without requiring complete disassembly of the chamber.
Solution Approach 2:
The slot is pre-formed in the chamber wall to accommodate both the cleaning member and the driving linkage. This preliminary structural preparation simplifies the overall design by integrating multiple functions into a single feature, reducing the need for additional complex components while facilitating both cleaning operation and dirt removal.
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 design allows for efficient and user-friendly cleaning of the air treatment system components without manual hand insertion, improving convenience and reducing exposure to dirt and debris.
Implementation Method 1
air treatment member having an air treatment chamber positioned in the air flow path
Implementation Method 2
cyclonic air treatment member
Implementation Method 3
air treatment chamber air outlet comprises a longitudinally extending porous member having a longitudinally extending porous sidewall
Data Source
AI summary
A surface cleaning apparatus comprises an air treatment chamber having a first end, an axially opposed second end, an axis extending between the first and second axially opposed ends and an axially extending air treatment chamber sidewall. The air treatment chamber air outlet is provided at the second opposed end and the first opposed end is moveably mounted between a closed position and an open position in which the air treatment chamber is open. The air treatment chamber has a stationary portion and an openable portion and the openable portion is moveably mounted between a closed position and an open position in which the air treatment chamber is open. When the openable portion is in the closed position, the openable portion and the stationery portion abut along peripheral edges that extend along a length of the air treatment chamber sidewall.