Flexible Vacuum Filter Cleaning to Prevent Dust Spread
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing handheld vacuum cleaners face inefficiencies due to clogged filters, which require cumbersome cleaning processes and often result in dust being uncontrollably spread during filter maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A handheld vacuum cleaner design featuring a flexible filter unit with a dust removing mechanism, including an elastic element and a rod, that collapses and expands to efficiently remove dust from the filter, integrated with a coarse pre-filter and air flow guiding vanes to ensure even dust distribution and prevent excessive clogging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual shaking or brushing is used to clean the filter, then the filter can be cleaned, but the process is cumbersome and dust is uncontrollably spread to the surroundings
Solution Approach 1:
A dust container serves as an intermediary receptacle to capture dust during filter cleaning. The dust container is positioned to receive dust particles that fall from the filter during the collapsing and expanding action, preventing dust from spreading to the surroundings while maintaining simple manual operation
Solution Approach 2:
The filter cleaning mechanism uses the filter's own flexible structure and the dust container already present in the system to perform cleaning, without requiring external cleaning tools or complex mechanisms. The user simply operates the rod to collapse and expand the filter body, and dust falls into the dust container
2Ease of operation
If the filter is cleaned by vacuum cleaning with another vacuum cleaner, then dust can be removed, but the process is cumbersome and requires additional equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The vacuum cleaner system performs its own filter cleaning using integrated components. The flexible filter body, dust removing rod, and dust container work together as a self-contained cleaning system, eliminating the need for external vacuum cleaners or additional cleaning equipment
Solution Approach 2:
The dust removing rod is extracted as a separate movable component that can be manually operated to collapse and expand the filter body. This simple extracted mechanism achieves effective dust removal without requiring complex automated systems or additional equipment
3Reliability
If a rigid filter structure is used, then the filter provides stable filtration, but dust adhering to the filter surface leads to pressure drop and reduced vacuum cleaning efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The filter body is made flexible rather than rigid, allowing it to dynamically collapse and expand during cleaning operation. This dynamic structure enables dust to be easily dislodged from the filter surface, maintaining filtration efficiency while preserving stable filtration during normal operation
Solution Approach 2:
The filter cleaning is performed through periodic collapsing and expanding actions using the dust removing rod. This periodic mechanical action effectively removes accumulated dust from the filter surface, restoring vacuum cleaning efficiency without compromising filtration stability during normal use
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 and efficient filter cleaning without dust dispersal, maintaining vacuum efficiency and reducing the need for frequent filter replacements, while allowing for cost-effective production and user-friendly operation.
Implementation Method 1
The dust removing means may further comprise an elastic element which continuously exerts a force on a portion of the filter unit, for the purpose of providing an effective way of expanding the flexible filter body
Data Source
AI summary
A vacuum cleaner having a housing with a dust container having an inlet for dust laden air, a filter unit comprising a flexible filter body, a motor fan unit for generating a flow of air through the inlet and through the filter unit, and a dust removing means configured to agitate the flexible filter body in response to a force applied to the dust removing means.