Cyclonic Vacuum Cleaner Filter Integration to Reduce Noise and Volume

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Solution Overview

Problem

Vacuum cleaners face challenges in compact design and noise reduction due to the inefficiencies in space utilization and noise generation in their motor, fan, and cyclonic separation apparatus arrangements, which affect their performance and user experience.

Innovation Solution

A motor, fan, and cyclonic separation apparatus arrangement is designed with a pre-fan filter located directly at the air outlet port of the cyclonic separation apparatus, eliminating ducting and incorporating longitudinal internal ribs in the vortex finder to dampen high-frequency sounds and reduce energy losses, resulting in a more compact and quieter vacuum cleaner.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a pre-fan filter is located downstream of the cyclonic separation apparatus, then dust and dirt particles can be removed before reaching the fan, but the arrangement occupies more space and increases device complexity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefan protectionVSAvoidarrangement complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The pre-fan filter is merged with the cyclonic separation apparatus by positioning it directly at the air outlet port of the cyclone, eliminating the need for separate ducting and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining fan protection functionality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The air outlet port of the cyclonic separation apparatus serves dual functions: as the exit for separated air and as the mounting location for the pre-fan filter, allowing the filter to be integrated into the existing structure without requiring additional space or components

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If ducting is used to connect the cyclonic separation apparatus to the fan, then airflow can be directed, but space is wasted and noise is generated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveairflow directionVSAvoidvacuum cleaner volume
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The ducting component is extracted and eliminated from the system by directly positioning the pre-fan filter at the cyclone air outlet port, allowing airflow to be directed through the filter without requiring separate ducting structures

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The airflow path is merged directly from the cyclonic separation apparatus outlet to the pre-fan filter, eliminating intermediate ducting components and reducing the overall volume of the vacuum cleaner

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of operation

If ducting is used to connect the cyclonic separation apparatus to the fan, then airflow can be directed, but noise levels increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveairflow directionVSAvoidnoise level
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The ducting component is extracted and eliminated from the system, removing the source of noise generated by airflow through ducts while maintaining effective airflow direction through direct positioning of the pre-fan filter

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The airflow path is merged directly from the cyclonic separation apparatus to the pre-fan filter, eliminating intermediate ducting structures that generate noise and reducing overall noise levels

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Volume of moving object

If the vacuum cleaner is designed to be compact, then space is utilized efficiently, but noise reduction becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevacuum cleaner volumeVSAvoidnoise level
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The pre-fan filter is merged with the cyclonic separation apparatus by positioning it directly at the air outlet port, eliminating the need for separate ducting structures that would increase volume and noise, thereby achieving both compact design and noise reduction simultaneously

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 arrangement enhances space efficiency, reduces noise levels, and maintains airflow efficiency, leading to a more compact and effective vacuum cleaner design with improved performance and user experience.

Implementation Method 1

a cyclonic separation apparatus located in a path of the air flow generated by the fan

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCyclone separation: Cyclone Separation

Implementation Method 2

cyclonic separation apparatus comprises at least one cyclone comprising: a cyclone body with a longitudinal axis; a cylindrical vortex finder arranged inside the cyclone body; an air inlet port arranged tangentially through a side of the cyclone body

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCentrifugal force: Centrifugal Force

Implementation Method 3

a pre-fan filter located in the path of the air flow downstream of the cyclonic separation apparatus and upstream of the fan

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhysical filtration: Filter (physical)

Implementation Method 4

incorporating longitudinal internal ribs in the vortex finder to dampen high-frequency sounds

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAcoustic absorption: Acoustic Absorption

Data Source

PatentEP2581017B1A motor, fan and cyclonic seperation apparatus arrangement
Publication Date: 2019.11.20 BLACK & DECKER CORP
  • EP2581017B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2581017B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2581017B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A motor, fan and cyclonic separation apparatus arrangement for a vacuum cleaner, the arrangement comprising: a motor (16) coupled to a fan (18) for generating air flow; a cyclonic separation apparatus (8) located in a path of the air flow generated by the fan; and a pre-fan filter (40) located in the path of the air flow downstream of the cyclonic separation apparatus and upstream of the fan (18), wherein the cyclonic separation apparatus comprises at least one cyclone (84) comprising: a cyclone body (85,86) with a longitudinal axis (57); an air inlet port (88) arranged tangentially through a side of the cyclone body; and an air outlet port (56) through a longitudinal end of the cyclone body, wherein the pre-fan filter (40) is arranged upon the air outlet port of the or each cyclone.