Vacuum Cleaner Filter Bag Retention on a Sliding Stub Pipe
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vacuum cleaners face challenges in securely retaining a filter bag in place, particularly when converting non-bag types for use with a filter bag, leading to potential spillage or loss of communication between the bag and the vacuum system, especially when handling fine and dense dusts like brick or plaster dust.
Innovation Solution
A retaining tie with a flexible web material is used to clamp the bag aperture onto a stub pipe, preventing disengagement and ensuring secure attachment, which includes a tongue of flexible material fixed to a collar and clamped between the lid and base portions of the vacuum cleaner.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a sliding fit collar is used to attach the bag aperture to the stub pipe, then the bag can be easily fitted and removed, but the bag may detach during use causing spillage or loss of communication
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining tie transforms the static sliding fit into a dynamic secured connection. The tie can be engaged to lock the collar on the stub pipe during use, then disengaged for easy removal. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to switch between easy operation and secure attachment modes as needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining tie acts as an intermediary element between the collar and the stub pipe. It provides an additional mechanical connection that prevents the collar from detaching while allowing the collar to remain a sliding fit for easy installation and removal.
2Reliability
If the bag aperture is provided with a rigid collar for engagement with the stub pipe, then the bag can be securely retained, but the bag cannot expand under vacuum loading without becoming occluded against the wall
Solution Approach 1:
The retention system is segmented into two independent components: the rigid collar for secure attachment to the stub pipe, and the flexible bag material for expansion. The retaining tie connects these segments, allowing the collar to provide structural support while the bag maintains its ability to expand into the collection cavity.
Solution Approach 2:
The collar provides localized rigid support at the aperture region where structural integrity is needed for secure attachment, while the rest of the bag remains flexible to expand under vacuum loading. This local differentiation of mechanical properties resolves the contradiction between retention security and expansion capability.
3Productivity
If the bag is allowed to expand freely under vacuum loading, then collection efficiency is improved, but the bag may detach from the stub pipe causing dust spillage
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining tie is engaged in advance to secure the collar on the stub pipe before the bag expands under vacuum loading. This preliminary action prevents the expansion forces from causing detachment, allowing the bag to expand freely for efficient dust collection without the risk of spillage.
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining tie provides a counteracting force that prevents the bag from detaching during expansion. By applying this preliminary anti-action, the system allows the bag to expand fully for maximum collection efficiency while the tie counteracts any forces that might cause detachment.
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 solution effectively prevents the bag from detaching during use or when removing it for disposal, ensuring that dust is contained within the bag and not released into the atmosphere, enhancing the collection efficiency and safety in environments with hazardous dusts.
Implementation Method 1
a vacuum drive to create a pressure difference to draw air through the filter bag
Implementation Method 2
a filter bag made from a porous material... air drawn from a cleaned surface can pass into the bag and deposit detritus therein before being drawn through the bag walls
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention concerns vacuum cleaners of a type having a collection cavity into which air is drawn by a vacuum drive for the collection of air entrained detritus, the cavity being provided with an inlet vent for entry of dirty air, and a base portion in which detritus is collected in use and an outlet formed in an upper region of the cavity and which is in gas communication with the vacuum drive for drawing air into the cavity. A filter bag is disposed in the base portion, the filter bag having an aperture for the entry of air-entrained detritus, wherein the inlet vent comprises a stub pipe which enters into the cavity and wherein the bag aperture is a sliding fit over the stub pipe so that the bag may be engaged with the vent by sliding the aperture at least part of the way along the stub pipe so that a free end of the stub pipe empties into the interior of the bag, characterised in that the bag is provided with a retaining tie which may be clamped to restrict travel of the aperture back along the stub pipe to cause disengagement of the bag with the vent.