Hand Vacuum Cyclone With Non-Uniform Dirt Outlet Gap
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cyclonic surface cleaning apparatuses face inefficiencies in dirt collection due to uniform dirt outlet gaps, which can limit the effectiveness of air flow and dirt separation.
Innovation Solution
A cyclone design with a non-uniform dirt outlet gap, featuring a plate with a variable sidewall and a cyclone having a longitudinally extending sidewall of varying lengths, enhancing dirt collection efficiency by varying the gap dimensions and perimeter coverage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a uniform dirt outlet gap is used in cyclonic surface cleaning apparatuses, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the dirt collection efficiency is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by varying the gap dimensions at different locations around the cyclone perimeter. The gap height and/or width changes circumferentially, creating zones with different gap sizes to optimize dirt outlet performance in various regions of the cyclone, thereby improving overall dirt collection efficiency without requiring a completely complex structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements asymmetry by introducing non-uniform gap characteristics around the cyclone perimeter. Instead of a symmetric uniform gap, the gap dimensions are deliberately made asymmetric with varying heights and/or widths at different angular positions, which enhances the dirt separation efficiency by creating more effective flow patterns.
2Manufacturing precision
If a non-uniform dirt outlet gap is implemented, then the separation of dirt from air flow is enhanced, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The non-uniform gap is achieved by locally varying the gap dimensions at specific locations around the cyclone rather than changing the entire structure uniformly. This allows targeted optimization of dirt separation in critical zones while keeping other areas simpler, balancing manufacturing precision requirements with ease of fabrication.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the gap (height, width, or both) in a controlled manner around the cyclone perimeter. By systematically varying these parameters, the design achieves enhanced dirt separation effectiveness while maintaining a structure that can be manufactured using standard techniques with appropriate tolerances.
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 improves dirt collection efficiency by optimizing the dirt outlet gap dimensions and perimeter coverage, enhancing the separation of dirt from air flow, leading to improved cleaning performance.
Implementation Method 1
Cyclonic surface cleaning apparatuses face inefficiencies in dirt collection due to uniform dirt outlet gaps
Implementation Method 2
The specification relates to cyclonic surface cleaning apparatuses
Data Source
AI summary
A hand vacuum cleaner comprises a cyclone and a dirt chamber external to the cyclone. The cyclone comprises a dirt outlet in communication with the dirt chamber, a cyclone chamber rear end that is axially spaced from and opposed to a cyclone chamber front end and a sidewall located between the cyclone chamber front end and the cyclone chamber rear end. The cyclone air inlet and the cyclone air outlet are located at the cyclone chamber rear end wherein, when the upper end of the hand vacuum cleaner is positioned above the lower end of the hand vacuum cleaner, the central longitudinally extending axis is oriented generally horizontally. A plate is positioned at the front end of the cyclone chamber. The dirt outlet comprises a gap that is provided at the cyclone chamber front end and the gap is provided at a location that is spaced axially inwardly towards the cyclone chamber rear end.