Dual-Suction Cleaning Flow Using a Venturi Nozzle

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cleaning devices, such as vacuum cleaners and robots, are limited in their ability to efficiently collect both dry and moist particles from surfaces, as they typically rely on a single suction flow generated by a mechanical air flow generator, which may not effectively separate and manage both types of debris.

Innovation Solution

A cleaning device that generates a second suction flow separate from the first, using the kinetic energy of the pressure stream from the air flow generator, via a hydromechanical device like a Venturi nozzle arrangement, allowing for the collection of dry and moist particles in separate containers.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a single suction flow is used to collect particles, then the device structure remains simple, but the ability to efficiently separate and collect both dry and moist particles is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to collect both dry and moist particlesVSAvoiddevice structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The single suction flow is segmented into two separate suction flows (first suction flow and second suction flow), each capable of collecting different types of particles. The air flow generator is divided into multiple suction outlets, with each outlet connected to separate suction lines and collecting containers, enabling specialized collection for dry and moist particles while maintaining structural organization

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes pneumatic principles by employing an air flow generator to create multiple suction flows through pressure differential. The system uses air pressure to transport different types of particles through separate suction lines to different collecting containers, leveraging fluid dynamics to achieve particle separation without mechanical contact

Inventive Principle:
Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

2Productivity

If kinetic energy of pressure stream is used to generate second suction flow, then cleaning efficiency improves, but energy distribution becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecleaning efficiencyVSAvoidenergy distribution
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system maintains continuous useful action by utilizing the pressure stream continuously to generate the second suction flow. The air flow generator operates continuously, and the pressure stream is continuously converted into suction flow through the nozzle arrangement, ensuring uninterrupted cleaning operation for both dry and moist particles

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The pressure stream serves dual purposes: it directly contributes to particle collection while simultaneously generating the second suction flow through its own kinetic energy. The system uses its own operational output (pressure stream) to create additional functionality (second suction flow), reducing the need for separate energy sources

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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

Enables efficient separation and collection of dry and moist particles, expanding the device's range of uses and improving cleaning efficiency by utilizing the kinetic energy of the pressure stream to create a secondary suction flow for effective particle removal.

Implementation Method 1

The momentum of the pressure flow emerging from the pressure flow outlet opening is transferred to the air within the suction channel surrounding the pressure flow outlet opening. Due to this impulse transfer, the second suction flow is formed.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMomentum transfer: Conservation of Momentum

Implementation Method 2

the hydromechanical principle that when a gas flow accelerates, the static pressure is reduced and a suction flow can thereby be generated

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVenturi effect: Venturi Effect

Data Source

PatentEP2932878B1Cleaning device that generates two suction flows
Publication Date: 2016.11.30 VORWERK & CO INTERHOLDING GMBH
  • EP2932878B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2932878B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3

AI summary

The invention relates to a cleaning device with an air flow generator (3) for generating an air flow which generates a first suction flow (S1) through a first suction line (1) which is arranged in the flow direction of the air flow in front of the air flow generator (3) and opens into a first collection container (2). and a pressure flow (D) in a pressure line (4) arranged downstream of the air flow generator (3) in the flow direction of the air flow. A Venturi nozzle is provided, with which the air flow generates a second suction flow (S2), separate from the first suction flow (S1), through a second suction line (5) opening into a second collection container (6).