Surface cleaning apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hand vacuum cleaners have limited dirt collection capacity and difficulty in emptying debris that may block the dirt outlet, such as elongated items like hair, which can hinder the cleaning process.
Innovation Solution
A surface cleaning apparatus with a cyclone bin assembly that includes a cyclone chamber and a dirt collection chamber, where the front end is rotationally mounted to open, allowing both chambers to be emptied easily and preventing debris from blocking the dirt outlet, and an optional portion of the sidewall is opened to facilitate the removal of elongated debris.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the dirt collection chamber is made larger to increase dirt collection capacity, then the capacity is improved, but the device becomes bulkier and harder to maneuver
Solution Approach 1:
The dirt collection chamber is divided into multiple compartments or sections, allowing the vacuum to maintain adequate capacity while reducing the overall footprint and improving maneuverability. The segmented design enables the chambers to be arranged in a compact configuration that fits within smaller spaces.
2Reliability
If the dirt collection chamber is sealed tightly to prevent debris leakage, then reliability is improved, but ease of emptying deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The dirt collection chamber is pre-configured with a removable bottom section or access panel that allows easy emptying. The chamber maintains a sealed configuration during operation to prevent leakage, but the preliminary design includes the removable portion that enables convenient emptying without compromising the sealed integrity during use.
3Manufacturing precision
If the cyclone chamber is positioned to optimize separation efficiency, then separation performance is improved, but the overall device length increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cyclone chamber is oriented with its axis extending in the lateral direction rather than the longitudinal direction. This dimensional reorientation allows the cyclone to achieve optimal separation efficiency while keeping the overall length of the vacuum cleaner reduced, as the separation process occurs across the width rather than extending the length of the device.
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
Enhances the ease of emptying and prevents blockages in the dirt outlet, improving the cleaning efficiency and effectiveness of hand vacuum cleaners by allowing for easier removal of debris.
Implementation Method 1
a cyclone bin assembly including a cyclone chamber positioned in the air flow path
Implementation Method 2
dirt separated in the air treatment chamber travels to the dirt collection chamber
Data Source
AI summary
A hand vacuum cleaner comprises a vacuum cleaner body, which houses a suction motor and fan assembly, and a cyclone unit comprising a cyclone. When the hand vacuum cleaner is positioned with the upper end above the bottom, the cyclone axis of rotation is generally horizontal and extends between the front and rear ends of the cyclone. A handle is provided on a sidewall of a rear portion of the vacuum cleaner body and a handle axis extends through the hand grip portion of the handle from the first end of the hand grip portion to the second end of the hand grip portion and the handle axis intersects the suction motor axis of rotation.