Filter device with a flat filter
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing filter arrangements in vacuum cleaners and cleaning robots are not compact enough in the axial direction, limiting space for dust collection and requiring additional space for air inlet and outlet openings.
Innovation Solution
A compact filter arrangement with a flat filter and a filter frame where the air inlet and outlet openings are arranged at the same height as the filter, allowing the filter to extend over at least 60% of the axial extent of the openings, reducing the axial height and enabling space-saving design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of stationary object
If traditional filter arrangements are used with separate air inlet and outlet openings positioned above and below the filter, then the filter can effectively clean the air flow, but the axial height of the filter arrangement increases, reducing space for dust collection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent repositions the air outlet opening from the traditional axial position (above the filter) to a radial position (at the same height as the filter), changing the spatial dimension of air discharge. This allows the air outlet channel to extend radially outward from the filter face rather than axially upward, thereby reducing the axial height requirement while maintaining effective air flow paths and enabling increased dust collection volume.
2Productivity
If the filter frame is made larger to accommodate traditional air inlet and outlet openings, then the filter arrangement can handle higher air flow, but the overall device size increases, limiting integration in compact cleaning robots
Solution Approach 1:
The air outlet opening is repositioned to the radial direction at the same axial height as the filter, allowing air discharge without increasing axial height. The air outlet channel extends radially from the filter face, enabling high air flow capacity while maintaining a compact axial profile suitable for integration in space-constrained cleaning robots.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter frame's axial height is reduced to less than one-third of the filter diameter by merging the filter, air inlet, and air outlet functions into a more compact configuration. The radial positioning of the air outlet allows the frame to accommodate high air flow capacity without proportionally increasing overall volume.
3Device complexity
If the air inlet and outlet openings are positioned at different heights, then the filter arrangement can maintain simple structure, but additional axial space is required for sealing and assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The air outlet opening is repositioned to the radial direction at the same axial height as the filter, allowing air discharge without increasing axial height. This dimensional change enables sealing and assembly to occur within the same axial plane, eliminating the need for additional axial space while maintaining structural simplicity through the compact radial configuration.
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 allows for a more compact filter arrangement that saves space in vacuum cleaners and cleaning robots, enabling a larger dust collection volume without additional axial space, and simplifies sealing and assembly.
Implementation Method 1
a filter arrangement (1) with a filter frame (2) for receiving a flat filter (3) and the flat filter (3), the flat filter (3) having an air inlet side and an air outlet side arranged opposite the air inlet side
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A filter arrangement (1) is described which has a filter frame (2) for receiving a flat filter (3) and the flat filter (3), the flat filter (3) having an air inlet side and an air outlet side arranged opposite the air inlet side. The filter arrangement (1) comprises an air inlet area which adjoins the air inlet side of the flat filter (3) and is fluidically connected to an air inlet opening (8) via an air inlet duct (5), and an air outlet area which adjoins the air outlet side of the flat filter (3). and is fluidically connected to an air outlet opening (13) via an air outlet channel (6). Air can flow through the flat filter (3) from the air inlet area to the air outlet area. The flat filter (3) extends in the axial direction over at least 60% of the axial extent of at least one of the air inlet opening (8) and the air outlet opening (13).