Cyclonic Dirt Outlet Geometry for Low Re-Entrainment Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cyclonic air treatment systems in surface cleaning apparatus face inefficiencies in dirt separation and re-entrainment due to cyclonic particle velocity thresholds, particularly at low air flow rates, leading to reduced separation efficiency and increased backpressure.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a cyclone chamber with a dirt collection chamber connected via an axially extending dirt outlet that is longer than its width, and multiple dirt outlet regions positioned along the cyclone chamber perimeter or axially, allowing for targeted dirt separation and reduced re-entrainment across varying air flow rates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If dirt outlet is positioned at axial end of cyclone chamber, then dirt can be discharged from cyclone chamber, but disentrained dirt must be conveyed along cyclone sidewall increasing re-entrainment tendency
Solution Approach 1:
The dirt outlet is repositioned from the axial end to the circumferential direction, creating a radial outlet configuration. This dimensional change allows dirt to be discharged perpendicular to the cyclone axis, eliminating the need for dirt to travel along the cyclone sidewall and thereby preventing re-entrainment while maintaining efficient discharge
2Use of energy by moving object
If cyclone chamber operates at low air flow rates, then energy consumption is reduced, but particle velocity drops below threshold reducing separation efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The cyclone chamber geometry parameters are optimized to maintain effective particle velocity across a wider range of air flow rates. By adjusting dimensional parameters such as inlet size, chamber volume, and outlet positioning, the system maintains separation efficiency at lower operating speeds without requiring proportionally lower energy input
3Productivity
If cyclone chamber operates at high air flow rates, then dirt separation efficiency is improved, but backpressure increases reducing operational efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The air flow path is segmented into distinct zones with optimized geometry for each section. The cyclone chamber is divided into inlet region, separation region, and outlet region, each with specific dimensional characteristics that manage flow velocity and pressure distribution, allowing high separation efficiency while controlling backpressure through progressive flow management
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 dirt separation efficiency at both high and low air flow rates, mitigates re-entrainment, and maintains low backpressure, improving overall cleaning performance and operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
A cyclone has a dirt collection region. The dirt collection region may be internal of the cyclone chamber
Implementation Method 2
as the air rotates in the cyclone chamber and dirt is disentrained
Data Source
AI summary
A cyclonic air treatment member comprises a cyclone and a dirt collection chamber external to the cyclone chamber. The cyclone chamber extends longitudinally in an axial direction between a cyclone first end and a cyclone second end. The dirt outlet comprises a plurality of discrete dirt outlet regions, each of which extends at an angle to the cyclone longitudinal axis.