Dual-Container Dirt Collection for Low-Suction Coarse Debris Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current dirt collecting devices and vacuum cleaner nozzles require high energy and noise due to the need for constant maximum suction power to transport coarse dirt, leading to high energy consumption and noise emissions, and intermittently stop for manual emptying of collection containers, especially in urban areas.
Innovation Solution
Integration of an intermediate container within the device or nozzle that temporarily stores non-dispersible coarse dirt under reduced suction pressure, allowing fine dirt to be conveyed to a final collection container, with the suction fan operating at reduced energy and noise levels for most of the cleaning process, increasing power only for emptying the intermediate container.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the suction fan operates at maximum power to transport coarse dirt continuously, then the coarse dirt is reliably transported to the collection container, but the energy consumption and noise emission increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The collection container is divided into two separate containers: a first collection container for coarse dirt and a second collection container for fine dirt. This segmentation allows the suction fan to operate at reduced power for most of the cleaning process, only using maximum power intermittently when the first container needs emptying, thereby resolving the contradiction between reliable transport and energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from continuous maximum power operation to periodic action, where the suction fan operates at reduced power for extended periods and only increases to maximum power intermittently when the first collection container reaches capacity. This periodic operation pattern significantly reduces overall energy consumption while maintaining reliable coarse dirt transport when needed.
2Productivity
If the suction fan operates at maximum power continuously, then the coarse dirt is transported without interruption, but the noise emission becomes excessively high
Solution Approach 1:
The dual-container system enables periodic operation where the suction fan runs at low noise levels for most of the time and only operates at high power intermittently when the first container needs emptying. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining productivity through the second container's continuous operation while dramatically reducing noise emission during normal cleaning phases.
3Duration of action of moving object
If a single large collection container is used, then the device can operate for longer periods, but it requires intermittent stops for manual emptying in urban areas
Solution Approach 1:
The single large collection container is segmented into two smaller containers: a first container for coarse dirt with smaller volume that can be emptied more frequently and easily in urban areas, and a second container for fine dirt that continues collecting during the emptying of the first container. This segmentation maintains long operating duration while improving ease of operation in narrow road networks.
Solution Approach 2:
The system prepares for continuous operation by having the second collection container ready to receive fine dirt before the first container is emptied. This preliminary arrangement ensures that the cleaning operation can continue without interruption, resolving the contradiction between duration and ease of operation.
4Productivity
If high suction power is used to convey both coarse and fine dirt, then all dirt is collected effectively, but the energy consumption increases to 900-1500 watts for vacuum cleaners
Solution Approach 1:
The collection container is segmented into a first container for coarse dirt and a second container for fine dirt, allowing the suction fan to operate at reduced power (250-500 watts) for most of the cleaning process. The segmented system maintains effective collection of all dirt types while dramatically reducing energy consumption compared to using a single container requiring high power.
Solution Approach 2:
Different local qualities are applied to different dirt types: coarse dirt is collected in the first container with reduced suction power, while fine dirt continues to be collected in the second container. This local differentiation allows effective collection of all dirt types while minimizing overall energy consumption.
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
Significantly reduces energy consumption by operating the suction fan at a quarter of the usual power, allowing continuous operation without intermittent stops, and lowers noise levels, with tests showing a 75% energy savings in sweeping vehicles and reduced power requirements for vacuum cleaners.
Implementation Method 1
a suction device having an airflow with high power
Implementation Method 2
The sweeper roller arranged in the front area is used to remove coarse and fine dirt from the surface to be cleaned
Data Source
AI summary
Method for operating a dirt collecting device for a sweeping vehicle or for a vacuum cleaner nozzle of a floor or upright vacuum cleaner, which each comprise a suction fan with controllable speed and/or power, wherein in a first method step, the suction power of the suction fan is set at such a low level that the suction pressure in the dirt collecting device or the vacuum cleaner nozzle is merely sufficient to convey and deposit the absorbed coarse dirt into the intermediate container, and to convey the absorbed fine dirt into a downstream collection container, (normal operation); and that in a second method step, the filling level in the intermediate container is detected with respect to the coarse dirt deposited therein; and that in a third method step, if the filling level in the intermediate container is exceeded, the suction power of the suction fan is increased such that the coarse dirt, which is temporarily deposited in the intermediate container, becomes dispersible and is conveyed into the downstream collection container (emptying mode).