Flexible Vacuum Filter Cleaning to Contain Dust During Maintenance
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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 an integrated dust removing mechanism, utilizing an elastic element and a rod connected to the filter unit that expands and collapses to dislodge adhered dust, along 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 the filter is cleaned by manual shaking or brushing, then dust can be removed from the filter, but the cleaning process is cumbersome and dust is uncontrollably spread to the surroundings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a dust container as an intermediary environment where dislodged dust is captured. The filter is positioned within the dust container during cleaning, and when the filter body is collapsed and expanded, dust falls into the container rather than spreading to the surroundings. This mediator (dust container) solves both the ease of cleaning and the harmful dust spread problem simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the spatial dimension of the filter from a rigid fixed structure to a flexible collapsible structure. The filter body can be collapsed into a compact form and then expanded back, creating a dynamic cleaning mechanism. This dimensional change allows dust to be dislodged and fall into the dust container in a controlled manner, eliminating the need for manual shaking or brushing while preventing dust spread.
2Productivity
If the filter is replaced with a new one, then vacuum cleaning efficiency is regained, but this is not an effective long-term solution and increases cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the filter to clean itself through the collapse and expansion mechanism. When the filter body is collapsed and then expanded, adhered dust is dislodged and falls into the dust container. This self-cleaning function allows the filter to be reused multiple times, maintaining vacuum cleaning efficiency without the need for replacement, thereby eliminating ongoing costs.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of discarding the filter after it becomes clogged, the patent recovers the filter by cleaning it in place. The dust is dislodged and captured in the dust container, allowing the filter to be reused. This recovery approach eliminates the need for continuous filter replacement and reduces waste.
3Reliability
If a rigid filter structure is used, then the filter provides stable filtration, but it cannot be easily cleaned and requires replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the filter from a static rigid structure to a dynamic flexible structure. The filter body can be collapsed and expanded, enabling it to clean itself by dislodging adhered dust. This dynamic capability maintains filtration reliability during normal operation while enabling easy cleaning when needed, eliminating the trade-off between stability and ease of cleaning.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a flexible filter body made of elastic material that can be collapsed and expanded. This flexible shell structure provides stable filtration when in its expanded normal state, but can be collapsed to create a cleaning action that dislodges dust. The flexibility allows the filter to perform both filtration and self-cleaning functions effectively.
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
The solution allows for efficient and controlled filter cleaning, reducing dust spread and maintaining vacuum efficiency by ensuring dust is trapped within the dust container, enhancing user convenience and manufacturing efficiency.
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
Implementation Method 2
the dust removing means cause adhered dust to fall off the filter when the dust removing means collapses and expands the filter body
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~5
AI summary
A hand held vacuum cleaner comprises a housing (10) with a dust container (7) having an inlet (8) for dust laden air; a filter unit (11) with a filter body; and a motor fan unit (6) for generating a flow of air through the inlet (8) and through the filter unit (11). The filter body is flexible and the vacuum cleaner further comprises dust removing means configured to collapse and expand the flexible filter body in response to a force applied to the dust removing means (29).