A surface cleaning apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cyclonic separation devices in surface cleaning apparatuses face inefficiencies in separating fine dust due to suboptimal design parameters such as angles between planes, baffle dimensions, and chamber configurations, leading to reduced performance in dirt collection and air filtration.
Innovation Solution
The surface cleaning apparatus optimizes cyclonic separation by specifying precise angles between planes (e.g., 43 degrees or 133 degrees), baffle heights and ratios (1.4:1 to 1.9:1), and radial distances (3:1 to 6:1) to enhance dirt collection and air filtration efficiency, using a single baffle to prevent dirt re-entrainment and improve airflow circulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional cyclonic separation device design is used, then the device structure is simple, but the separation efficiency of fine dust is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by optimizing specific geometric parameters of the cyclonic separation device including the angle between the inlet plane and baffle plane (30-60 degrees or 120-150 degrees), the height-to-radial-distance ratio of the baffle (1:1.4 to 1:1.9), and the radial distance ratios (3:1 to 6:1). These precise parameter adjustments enhance the separation efficiency of fine dust while maintaining a relatively simple device structure without requiring complex additional components.
2Ease of manufacture
If the baffle is positioned at suboptimal angles, then the device is easier to manufacture, but the baffle functionality is shortened and dirt re-entrainment occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the baffle positioning parameters including the angle between the inlet plane Q1 and baffle plane R1 (30-60 degrees for inlet below plane, or 120-150 degrees for inlet above plane), and the height-to-radial-distance ratio (1:1.4 to 1:1.9). These optimized parameters prevent dirt re-entrainment, extend baffle functionality, and maintain ease of manufacture by using standard angular measurements that can be implemented with conventional manufacturing tolerances.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the cyclonic separator is positioned horizontally, then the airflow pattern is stable, but the separation performance of fine dust is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the cyclonic separator by optimizing the inlet angle and baffle configuration to work effectively in horizontal positioning. The specific angle ranges (30-60 degrees or 120-150 degrees between planes) and dimensional ratios are designed to create an optimized airflow pattern that maintains stability while enhancing fine dust separation performance in the horizontal orientation, allowing the device to achieve better separation than conventional vertical designs in horizontal application.
4Manufacturing precision
If multiple baffles are used to prevent dirt re-entrainment, then the separation efficiency is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves high separation efficiency with a single optimally positioned baffle rather than multiple baffles. The key is optimizing the baffle's geometric parameters: the angle between the inlet plane and baffle plane (30-60 degrees or 120-150 degrees), the height-to-radial-distance ratio (1:1.4 to 1:1.9), and positioning relative to the cyclone inlet. This single baffle configuration effectively prevents dirt re-entrainment and maintains separation efficiency while keeping the device structure simple and avoiding the complexity of multiple baffles.
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 optimized design significantly enhances the separation efficiency of both coarse and fine dust, prolongs baffle functionality, and maintains performance in non-horizontal cyclonic separators, resulting in improved cleaning performance and extended tool usability.
Implementation Method 1
a cyclonic separator device (18) having a first separating chamber (18c) and a first dirt collection chamber (18b)
Implementation Method 2
the inlet is configured to direct the incoming dirt-laden air into said generally cylindrical portion such that it travels circumferentially around an inner surface of the first separating chamber
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A surface cleaning apparatus including: a housing supporting: a suction source; a cyclonic separator device for separating dirt from dirt- laden air, wherein the cyclonic separator device has an elongate axis (A) which lies in a plane (Q1); a user graspable handle having an elongate axis (C), a passage member for transporting dirt-laden air to the dirt separation device, the passage member having an elongate axis (B), wherein the elongate axis (B) of the passage member and the elongate axis (C) of the user graspable handle lie in a plane (P1), and the elongate axis (A) of the body intersects the plane (P1), and wherein the cyclonic separator device includes: a first separating chamber fluidly connected to the passage member for separating relatively coarse dust or debris from any dirt- laden air received from the passage member; an inlet through which dirt-laden air is drawn into the first dirt separating chamber; a first dirt collection chamber for receiving dirt separated by the first separating chamber; a shroud; an outlet through which cleaner air exits the first separating chamber; a baffle positioned in the first dirt collection chamber which lies in a plane (R1), and wherein, in side view, the plane (Q1) is perpendicular to the vertical and the baffle is positioned above the plane (Q1) such that, in normal use, dirt collected in the first dirt collection chamber reaches the plane (Q1) before the dirt reaches the baffle.