Cyclonic separator comprising an outlet duct extending between two adjacent cyclone bodies
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cyclonic separators are bulky due to the unutilized central space around the cyclone bodies, which hinders their compactness and efficiency, and often require additional components like manifolds and support structures for the filter.
Innovation Solution
The cyclonic separator design incorporates an outlet duct that extends between two adjacent cyclone bodies, utilizing the central space, and features an elongated filter that inflates to maintain shape without a frame, along with a dirt collection chamber that shares a side wall with the outlet duct, reducing material usage and weight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If cleansed fluid is discharged into a manifold located above the cyclone bodies, then the outlet is properly positioned, but the separator becomes vertically more bulky
Solution Approach 1:
The outlet duct is integrated directly between adjacent cyclone bodies, merging the outlet function with the cyclone body structure itself. This eliminates the need for a separate manifold component and reduces the vertical height of the separator by utilizing the central space that would otherwise be unutilized.
Solution Approach 2:
The outlet duct extends in a horizontal direction between adjacent cyclone bodies rather than vertically above them. This dimensional change allows the outlet to be positioned without increasing the vertical height of the separator, effectively using the radial space between cyclone bodies.
2Volume of moving object
If the central space around cyclone bodies is left unutilized, then the cyclone bodies are properly spaced, but the separator becomes larger and less compact
Solution Approach 1:
The outlet duct utilizes the central space by extending horizontally between adjacent cyclone bodies rather than vertically above them. This repositions the outlet function into the previously unutilized radial space, making the separator more compact without interfering with cyclone body spacing or fluid flow.
3Shape
If a frame or support structure is added to the filter, then the filter maintains its shape, but the separator requires more material and becomes heavier
Solution Approach 1:
The filter element uses internal fluid pressure to maintain its shape instead of a rigid frame or support structure. The hollow filter element is inflated by the fluid passing through it, allowing it to retain its cylindrical shape and functional form without requiring additional structural materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter element is constructed as a flexible hollow tube that can be inflated by fluid pressure to maintain its shape. This thin-walled flexible structure replaces heavy rigid frames or support structures, reducing the overall weight of the separator while maintaining filter integrity.
4Ease of manufacture
If the dirt collection chamber is separate from the outlet duct, then both components are properly formed, but more material is required increasing cost and weight
Solution Approach 1:
The dirt collection chamber and outlet duct are merged into a single integrated component, sharing a common wall. This reduces the total material required for construction and decreases the weight of the separator, while both components maintain their proper formation and functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The shared wall between the dirt collection chamber and outlet duct serves dual purposes: it forms the boundary of the dirt collection chamber and simultaneously forms the wall of the outlet duct. This multi-functional design eliminates redundant materials and simplifies manufacturing.
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 design results in a more compact, cost-effective, and high-efficiency cyclonic separator that maintains performance by utilizing previously unutilized space and integrating components for efficient dirt separation and filtration.
Implementation Method 1
a cyclonic separator comprising a first cyclone stage (11), a second cyclone stage (12)... Each of the cyclone bodies may discharge fluid into the outlet duct
Implementation Method 2
a cyclonic separator having a ring of cyclone bodies... dirt that has not been separated from the fluid by the cyclone bodies
Implementation Method 3
fluid from the cyclone bodies enters the interior of the filter via the open end and passes through the filter into the outlet duct. As a result, the fluid acts to inflate the filter and thus prevent the filter from collapsing
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A cyclonic separator comprising a ring of cyclone bodies and an outlet duct through which cleansed fluid is discharged from the cyclonic separator, wherein the outlet duct extends between two adjacent cyclone bodies.