Cyclonic Dirt Chamber Door Layout for Easier Emptying

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Solution Overview

Problem

Cyclonic surface cleaning apparatuses with removable dirt chambers face issues where the separation plate impedes emptying when the door is open, and dirt accumulation between the door and plate makes it difficult to empty the dirt collection chamber, especially when the door has an annular lip.

Innovation Solution

A surface cleaning apparatus with a dirt chamber featuring a removably mounted door that allows for easy emptying by removing the separation plate, which is not obstructing the cyclone or dirt collection chamber, and can be washed to remove accumulated dirt, with the door being pivotally mounted to prevent obstruction during emptying.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the door has an annular lip to seal the chamber, then sealing effectiveness is improved, but dirt accumulates in the space between the door and separation plate making it difficult to empty

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesealing effectivenessVSAvoidemptying difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The separation plate is extracted from the door assembly, eliminating the problematic space between the door and plate where dirt would accumulate. The door with its annular lip maintains sealing effectiveness, while the removed plate eliminates the emptying obstruction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The door assembly is segmented by separating the door from the separation plate. The door retains its sealing function with the annular lip, while the separation plate is repositioned to a fixed location, allowing complete access to the dirt collection chamber for easy emptying.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Stability of the object's composition

If the separation plate is fixed to the door, then structural stability is improved, but the plate blocks access to the cyclone chamber when the door is open

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stability of door assemblyVSAvoidaccess to cyclone chamber
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The separation plate is extracted from the moving door assembly and repositioned to a fixed location on the cyclone separator housing. This maintains the structural integrity of the door while eliminating the blocking effect during door operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The door assembly is made dynamic by allowing it to pivot open for access, while the separation plate is made static by fixing it to the housing. This dynamic configuration allows the door to move freely without the plate interfering with access to the cyclone chamber.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 solution enables effortless emptying of the dirt collection chamber without obstruction, allowing for effective cleaning and maintenance by removing the separation plate and door, facilitating the removal of dirt and preventing re-accumulation.

Implementation Method 1

a cyclone separator for separating dirt and dust from an airflow

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCyclone separation: Cyclone Separation

Implementation Method 2

The cyclonic separator is arranged in a generally upright orientation (i.e., the air rotates about a generally vertical axis in use)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCentrifugal separation: Centrifugal Separation

Data Source

PatentUS8510907B2Cyclonic surface cleaning apparatus
Publication Date: 2013.08.20 OMACHRON INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY INC
  • US8510907B2 patent drawing
  • US8510907B2 patent drawing
  • US8510907B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A surface cleaning apparatus comprises at least one cyclone and at least one dirt collection chamber. The dirt collection chamber has a removeably mounted door.