Cyclonic Separator Guide Surface for Debris Flow-Back Prevention

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cyclonic separators face inefficiencies in debris collection, particularly with larger debris like hair and fluff, which can flow back into the cyclone chamber due to the design of the guide surfaces and flow paths, leading to reduced collection efficiency and potential clogging.

Innovation Solution

A separation device with a guide member that directs debris in a helical path from the cyclone chamber to the collection chamber, where the guide surface extends less than 360 degrees around the axis, allowing for efficient collection without depositing debris first, and features a support member and peripheral wall configuration that prevents tilting and optimizes space usage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a guide surface extends 360 degrees around the axis of the separation device, then debris can be effectively directed in a helical path, but larger debris like hair and fluff may be deposited on the guide surface and flow back into the cyclone chamber

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedebris collection efficiencyVSAvoiddebris flow back into cyclone chamber
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The guide surface extends through an angle between 270 and 340 degrees about the axis of the separation device, which is partial (less than 360 degrees) but sufficient to achieve the desired effect. This partial extension allows the guide surface to direct debris in a helical path while preventing larger debris from being deposited and flowing back into the cyclone chamber, thus resolving the contradiction between effective debris direction and preventing debris return.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

2Shape

If the guide surface extends through a large angle (close to 360 degrees), then the helical flow path is more complete, but the radial extent of the flow path increases allowing larger debris to escape

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehelical flow path completenessVSAvoidradial extent of flow path
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The guide surface extends through an angle between 270 and 340 degrees, which provides sufficient helical flow path completeness without requiring a full 360 degrees. This partial extension optimizes the balance between achieving complete helical flow and maintaining a compact radial extent that prevents larger debris from escaping the collection chamber.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Ease of operation

If the leading end of the guide member is at a shallow angle, then the helical flow is gentler, but debris may not be effectively directed into the collection chamber

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflow smoothnessVSAvoiddebris collection efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The leading end of the guide member is configured at an angle between 30 and 60 degrees towards the cyclone chamber with respect to the axis of the separation device. This specific angle range optimizes the balance between creating effective helical flow to direct debris into the collection chamber and maintaining smooth flow conditions that prevent turbulence and debris scattering.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 enhances debris collection efficiency by ensuring larger debris are directed into the collection chamber and prevented from flowing back, improving the overall performance of cyclonic separators in vacuum cleaners by reducing clogging and optimizing space.

Implementation Method 1

Dirt and debris entrained in the airflow are urged against the peripheral wall of the cyclone chamber under centrifugal forces

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCentrifugal force: Centrifugal Force

Implementation Method 2

The clean airflow, which is now separated from the dust and debris, is then exhausted through the air outlet and the dust and debris stored in the cyclone chamber

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGravity: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentEP2967269B1Cyclonic separation device
Publication Date: 2016.09.21 KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS NV
  • EP2967269B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2967269B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP2967269B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The present invention relates to a separation device (14) for separating a cyclone chamber (15) from a collection chamber (16) of a cyclonic separator (10). The separation device (14) has a guide member (17) that comprises a leading end (17A), a trailing end (17B), and a guide surface (17C). The guide surface guides debris entrained in an airflow in the cyclone chamber in a helical path about an axis (X-X) of the separation device (14) and into the collection chamber (16). The guide surface extends about the axis of the separation device (14) through an angle of less than 360 degrees for allowing debris in the cyclone chamber (15) to also pass into the collection chamber (16) from the cyclone chamber in an axial direction. The leading end (17A) of the guide member (17) is at an angle (a) between 30 degrees and 60 degrees towards the cyclone chamber (15) with respect to the axis (X-X) of the separation device (14) to promote a helical flow of air and debris flowing over the guide surface.