Cyclonic surface cleaning apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cyclonic separators in vacuum cleaners face the challenge of re-entrainment of separated particulate matter back into the outgoing fluid flow due to high-speed cyclonic flows, which existing designs struggle to effectively mitigate.
Innovation Solution
A filtration apparatus featuring a cyclone with a separate, externally positioned dirt collection chamber that is openable, allowing for concurrent emptying of both the cyclone and dirt collection chamber without any obstruction, such as a vortex finder, enabling efficient separation and collection of particulate matter.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a cyclone is used for separating particulate matter from air stream, then separation efficiency is improved, but re-entrainment of separated particulate matter back into outgoing fluid flow occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The cyclone separator is divided into two distinct segments: an upper cyclone chamber for separation and a lower dirt collection chamber for storage. The plate positioned in the cyclone container creates this segmentation, allowing separated particles to be collected in the lower chamber while preventing their re-entrainment into the outgoing air flow through the upper chamber.
Solution Approach 2:
The dirt collection chamber is extracted as a separate functional component from the cyclone separation chamber. This extraction allows the dirt collection function to be isolated from the separation process, enabling independent access and emptying of collected particles without disrupting the cyclonic separation operation.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If a plate is positioned in cyclone container to divide into upper cyclone chamber and lower dirt collection chamber, then re-entrainment is impeded, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cyclone container is segmented by a plate into two functional chambers: the upper cyclone chamber for separation and the lower dirt collection chamber for storage. This segmentation prevents re-entrainment by creating separate flow paths while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The cyclone container serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as both the separation chamber and the dirt collection chamber. The plate division enables the same container to perform both separation and storage functions, reducing the need for additional separate components.
3Strength
If vortex finder with large diameter shroud or deflector disc is positioned around vortex finder, then cyclone structure is strengthened, but impediment to dirt falling out of cyclone when opened is created
Solution Approach 1:
The vortex finder with its large diameter shroud or deflector disc is extracted from the cyclone chamber when the cyclone is opened for emptying. This extraction removes the obstruction that would otherwise prevent dirt from falling out freely, allowing complete and easy emptying of the cyclone chamber.
Solution Approach 2:
The cyclone chamber is designed to be openable, transforming from a static closed structure to a dynamic accessible structure. When opened, the chamber allows gravity to naturally drain accumulated dirt without requiring manual intervention to remove obstructions like the vortex finder assembly.
4Productivity
If both cyclone and dirt collection chamber are openable at the same time, then maintenance efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The opening mechanisms of the cyclone chamber and dirt collection chamber are merged or coordinated to open simultaneously. This combination allows both chambers to be accessed at the same time for efficient maintenance and emptying operations, reducing the total time required for service activities.
Solution Approach 2:
The cyclone and dirt collection chamber are designed to open together in advance of the emptying operation. This preliminary simultaneous opening prepares both chambers for efficient dirt removal and maintenance activities, eliminating the need for sequential opening and reducing overall maintenance time.
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 the separation efficiency of particulate matter, achieving up to 98% efficiency for particles between 3 to 5 microns and 96.5% for 1-2 microns, with fewer steps required for emptying, and allows for easier maintenance and cleaning of the cyclone and filtration members.
Implementation Method 1
The use of a cyclone, or multiple cyclones connected in parallel or series, is known to be advantageous in the separation of particulate matter from a fluid stream
Implementation Method 2
separating larger particulate matter from an air stream and a second stage for separating finer particulate matter
Implementation Method 3
separated particulate matter was collected in the bottom of the cyclones
Data Source
AI summary
A hand vacuum cleaner has a main body housing a suction motor, the suction motor having a suction motor axis of rotation. A cyclone assembly is removably mounted to the main body. The cyclone assembly comprises a first cyclonic stage and a second cyclonic stage. The first cyclonic stage comprises a first stage cyclone, and the second cyclonic stage comprises a plurality of cyclones in parallel. The first cyclonic stage is provided at a front end of the hand vacuum cleaner, the second cyclonic stage is positioned rearward of the first cyclonic stage, and the suction motor is positioned rearward of the second cyclonic stage. The first stage cyclone axis of rotation, the second stage cyclone axes of rotation and the suction motor axis of rotation are parallel. The first stage cyclone axis of rotation extends through the second cyclonic stage and the suction motor.