Filter system for a vacuum cleaner
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Solution Overview
Problem
Built-in vacuum cleaners in vehicles face challenges in designing a functional and inconspicuous filter system that allows for easy replacement of disposable filter components, while conventional vacuum cleaners are cumbersome for cleaning vehicle interiors effectively.
Innovation Solution
A filter system for vacuum cleaners, including a pre-filter with a frame and filter panel, that divides the tank into air intake and exhaust chambers, with features like slanted surfaces, ribs, and interference ribs for secure alignment and easy filter replacement, and a large air intake aperture for debris dumping without opening the lid.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a built-in vacuum cleaner is installed in a vehicle, then cleaning accessibility is improved, but filter system design complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The filter system is divided into separate modular components: a reusable frame and a disposable filter panel. This segmentation allows the complex filtration function to be broken into manageable parts that can be independently manufactured, installed, and maintained, reducing overall system design complexity while maintaining cleaning accessibility in the vehicle
Solution Approach 2:
The filter panel is designed as a disposable component that can be easily replaced when depleted. This approach simplifies the filter system design by eliminating the need for complex cleaning or maintenance mechanisms, while the built-in vacuum cleaner maintains excellent cleaning accessibility in the vehicle interior
2Ease of operation
If a disposable filter panel is used, then filter replacement ease is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The filter panel dimensions are specifically designed to be equal to or greater than the air flow opening dimensions, creating a standardized fit within the frame. This parameter specification ensures easy replacement while maintaining acceptable manufacturing tolerances for mass-produced disposable filters
Solution Approach 2:
The frame structure with standardized air flow openings serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, defines the filter panel dimensions, ensures proper airflow, and facilitates easy installation and removal. This multi-functionality reduces manufacturing precision requirements while maintaining ease of filter replacement
3Volume of moving object
If the filter panel size is reduced to fit the frame, then device compactness is improved, but air flow capacity may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The filter panel is designed with specific dimensional relationships: its width and depth are less than or equal to the frame's top portion dimensions during insertion, while its height is equal to or greater than the air flow opening height. This local quality specification ensures both compact fit and adequate air flow capacity
Solution Approach 2:
The filter panel utilizes the vertical dimension (height) to compensate for reduced horizontal dimensions (width and depth). By making the height equal to or greater than the air flow opening height, the filter maintains adequate air flow capacity even when the panel is compact in other dimensions to fit within the frame
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
Facilitates easy filter panel insertion and removal, reduces debris reaching cartridge filters, and simplifies debris dumping, extending filter cartridge life and improving user accessibility.
Implementation Method 1
The pre-filter is disposed in the tank and divides the tank into a first chamber having the air intake aperture and a second chamber having the air exhaust aperture
Data Source
AI summary
A pre-filter for a filter system includes a frame having air flow openings having a height and an top portion having a width and a depth. The pre-filter includes a filter panel having a width less than or equal to the width of the top portion and a depth less than or equal to the depth of the top portion at least during insertion of the filter panel into the frame, and height equal to or greater than the height of the air flow openings. A filter system using the pre-filter includes a tank, an air intake aperture, an air exhaust aperture, and a cartridge filter. Another filter system has a relatively large air intake aperture that permits easy debris dumping. A vacuum cleaning system using the filter system includes a support structure connected to the filter system by a release lever.