Hand Vacuum Layout for Battery Cooling and Airflow Balance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hand vacuum cleaners face challenges in efficiently cooling energy storage members like batteries during use, leading to potential overheating, and in achieving a compact and ergonomic design that balances weight distribution and airflow efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates an airflow path that directs high-velocity air from the cyclone chamber to impinge on the energy storage chamber wall, positions the suction motor and energy storage members to distribute weight and reduce torque, and optimizes the placement of components like the battery pack and pre-motor filter to enhance airflow and compactness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If high-velocity airflow is directed against the energy storage chamber wall for cooling, then the cooling effect on the battery is improved, but the airflow resistance and backpressure in the system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cyclone chamber serves as an intermediary component that redirects airflow to cool the battery. The airflow path is designed to direct high-velocity air from the cyclone chamber against the energy storage chamber wall, using the cyclone chamber as a mediator to achieve cooling without directly blocking the main airflow path.
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling airflow is localized to specific regions where it is most needed - against the energy storage chamber wall and in the handle region. The air flow path is configured to direct cooling air to these specific locations rather than uniformly distributing it throughout the entire device, optimizing cooling efficiency while minimizing overall airflow resistance.
2Loss of energy
If the suction motor is positioned above the cyclone axis of rotation to reduce airflow bends, then the airflow efficiency is improved, but the weight distribution and ergonomic balance of the hand vacuum deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The suction motor is positioned in a different spatial dimension relative to the cyclone axis - specifically above the cyclone axis of rotation rather than directly in line with it. This dimensional offset reduces the number of bends in the airflow path from the cyclone chamber to the motor, improving airflow efficiency while the motor is still positioned in the handle region to maintain ergonomic balance.
3Volume of moving object
If the energy storage members are arranged in a compact configuration, then the device size is reduced, but the heat generation and cooling requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The energy storage members are merged into a single integrated energy storage chamber rather than being distributed separately throughout the device. This consolidation reduces the overall device volume and simplifies the structure, while the combined heat generation from all batteries is managed through a unified cooling system that directs airflow against the energy storage chamber wall.
4Productivity
If the airflow path is optimized to reduce bends and improve efficiency, then the airflow performance is improved, but the structural complexity of the device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cyclone chamber serves multiple functions: it performs the primary air treatment function by separating dirt from airflow, and simultaneously acts as an airflow redirector to cool the battery and improve motor cooling. This multi-functionality allows the airflow path to be optimized for efficiency without adding separate dedicated cooling channels or structures, thereby reducing overall structural complexity.
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 cools the energy storage members, improves the ergonomic balance of the hand vacuum, and reduces airflow losses and backpressure, resulting in a more efficient and user-friendly compact cleaning device.
Implementation Method 1
By directing relatively high-velocity airflow directly against a wall of such a chamber, cooling of an energy storage member (e.g. battery) located in the chamber may be promoted
Data Source
AI summary
A hand vacuum cleaner has an air flow path extending from a dirty air inlet to a clean air outlet. A cyclone chamber positioned in the air flow path has a cyclone air inlet and a cyclone air outlet. A handle having a hand grip portion extend upwardly and forwardly when the upper end of the hand vacuum cleaner is positioned above the lower end of the hand vacuum cleaner. At least one energy storage member is positioned in an energy storage chamber. A suction motor is positioned in the air flow path upstream of the clean air outlet, wherein the suction motor is located at an upper end of the handle and rearward of the at least one energy storage member when the upper end of the hand vacuum cleaner is positioned above the lower end of the hand vacuum cleaner.