Cyclonic Separator Layout With Internal Ducting for Compact Vacuums
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vacuum cleaners with cyclonic separators often have tortuous ducting paths due to the relative locations of the cleaner head, cyclonic separator, and suction source, which affects performance and requires external ducting, increasing size and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A cyclonic separator design with an inlet and outlet duct that extend through the interior, surrounded by a dirt collection chamber, reducing the need for external ducting and allowing a more compact and efficient layout, with the inlet and outlet located at the base for upright and canister vacuum cleaners to minimize tortuous paths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the inlet and outlet are located at the upper part of the cyclonic separator, then the ducting can connect to the cyclonic separator, but the ducting paths become tortuous and the overall size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional location of inlet and outlet from the upper part to the base of the cyclonic separator. This inversion allows the ducting to connect directly to the base, creating straighter paths and reducing the overall volume required for the vacuum cleaner while maintaining connectivity functionality.
2Ease of manufacture
If external ducting is used to carry fluid, then the cyclonic separator can be connected, but the vacuum cleaner size and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the inlet and outlet ducting with the cyclonic separator body by locating the inlet and outlet at the base. The inlet duct carries fluid through the interior to the first cyclone stage, and the outlet duct carries fluid from the second cyclone stage to the outlet, both integrated within the separator structure rather than as separate external components.
Solution Approach 2:
The inlet duct and outlet duct are nested within the cyclonic separator body, with the first dirt collection chamber surrounding at least partly the inlet duct and outlet duct. This nesting arrangement reduces external ducting requirements and simplifies the overall device structure.
3Quantity of substance
If the first dirt collection chamber volume is increased, then large dirt removal capacity is achieved, but the overall cyclonic separator size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The inlet duct and outlet duct are nested within the first dirt collection chamber, which surrounds at least partly these ducts. This allows the first dirt collection chamber to have a relatively large volume for high dirt collection capacity while the ducts occupy space within rather than outside the chamber, preventing overall size increase.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the vertical dimension by extending the inlet and outlet ducts axially through the cyclonic separator. The inlet duct carries fluid in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis to the first cyclone stage, and the outlet duct carries fluid from the second cyclone stage parallel to the axis, allowing efficient use of internal space.
4Productivity
If the cleaner head is located below the cyclonic separator, then the ducting path is less tortuous, but the relative positioning creates spatial constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional upper location of inlet and outlet to the base, which aligns with the cleaner head position below the cyclonic separator. This creates a direct vertical path for fluid flow from the cleaner head through the inlet duct to the first cyclone stage, minimizing tortuous paths and improving air flow efficiency.
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 enhances performance by reducing ducting complexity, allowing for a more compact vacuum cleaner with improved air flow and easier maneuverability, while maintaining high separation efficiency and filtration capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
The first cyclone stage is intended to remove relatively large dirt from fluid admitted to the cyclonic separator
Implementation Method 2
Vacuum cleaners having a cyclonic separator are now well known
Implementation Method 3
The second cyclone stage, which is located downstream of the first cyclone stage, is then intended to remove smaller dirt from the fluid
Implementation Method 4
Vacuum cleaners having a cyclonic separator are now well known
Data Source
AI summary
A cyclonic separator comprising a first cyclone stage, a second cyclone stage, an inlet duct, and an outlet duct. The first cyclone stage comprises a first dirt collection chamber. The second cyclone stage is located downstream of the first cyclone stage and comprises a second dirt collection chamber. The inlet duct carries fluid to the first cyclone stage, and the outlet duct carries fluid from the second cyclone stage. The first dirt collection chamber then surrounds at least partly the inlet duct and the outlet duct.