Vacuum Dust Trap Funnel Geometry for Low-Resistance Suction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vacuum cleaners face challenges in increasing suction power without incurring higher energy costs, particularly in hand-held models where increased motor power reduces suction time and applicability.

Innovation Solution

The design optimizes the nozzle and dust housing flow by using a tapering inlet funnel and concentric truncated cones to reduce flow resistance, incorporating a deflection body for streamlined air redirection, and varying flow openings to maintain consistent suction force even with filter clogging.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If the power of the electric motor is increased to increase suction power, then suction power is improved, but energy costs increase and suction time decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesuction powerVSAvoidenergy costs
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and optimizes the flow path geometry separately from the motor power. By taking out the flow resistance issue and addressing it through geometric optimization of the nozzle and dust housing, the system achieves better suction performance without increasing motor power consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes geometric parameters of the flow path components. The nozzle outlet cross-section is increased to be at least 70% of the nozzle mouth cross-section, and the dust housing inlet funnel is optimized with specific tapering angles. These parameter changes reduce flow resistance and improve suction efficiency without requiring higher motor power.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Power

If the power of the electric motor is increased to increase suction power, then suction power is improved, but suction time decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesuction powerVSAvoidsuction time
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

By changing the geometric parameters of the flow path (nozzle outlet cross-section, inlet funnel tapering), the system reduces flow resistance which allows for lower motor power consumption. This extended energy efficiency translates to longer suction time on battery-powered devices without sacrificing suction performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the potential harm of high flow resistance into benefit by systematically optimizing each component geometry. The optimized nozzle and dust housing transform what would be energy-wasting turbulent flow into streamlined flow, extending battery life and suction time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Loss of energy

If the cross section at the nozzle outlet is increased to reduce flow resistance, then flow resistance is reduced, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflow resistanceVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the nozzle outlet and dust housing inlet funnel into a directly connected, integrated structure. This eliminates intermediate components and complex joints, reducing device complexity while maintaining the optimized large cross-section geometry that minimizes flow resistance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The dust housing inlet funnel serves multiple functions: it provides the large cross-section needed for low flow resistance, it directs airflow onto the filter element in a streamlined manner, and it forms part of the dust container structure. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, simplifying the overall device.

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

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 suction power efficiency, reduces energy requirements, and maintains consistent suction force over time by minimizing flow resistance and turbulence, while ensuring effective dust collection and filtration.

Implementation Method 1

a maximum cross section can be used at the interface or connection point between the nozzle and the dust housing, which in turn can significantly reduce the flow resistance

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFlow resistance reduction: Pressure Drop

Implementation Method 2

a deflection body, which extends in the dust container in the direction of the dust compartment opening and can redirect the air flow into the dust container in a streamlined and energy-efficient manner

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectStreamlined flow: Laminar Flow

Implementation Method 3

a cyclone separator arranged within a dirt-collecting chamber, the cyclone separator having a dirt outlet

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCyclone separation: Cyclone Separation

Data Source

PatentEP2537450B1Dust trap
Publication Date: 2014.09.10 BSH HAUSGERATE GMBH
  • EP2537450B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2537450B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP2537450B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

A dust collecting device for a vacuum cleaner comprises a nozzle (4) with a nozzle mouth (8) and a nozzle outlet (10), which is designed to direct air in a flow direction from the nozzle mouth (8) to the nozzle outlet (10). In the flow direction, the nozzle outlet (10) is immediately followed by a dust housing (6) which has an inlet funnel (12) adjoining the nozzle outlet (10) and tapering from the nozzle outlet (10) to a dust chamber opening (14).