Configuration of a surface cleaning apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cyclonic hand vacuum cleaners face challenges in maximizing airflow rate without increasing the size or weight of the suction motor, often resulting in reduced efficiency due to backpressure in the airflow path.
Innovation Solution
The design features a cyclone unit with a cyclone axis parallel to the suction motor axis, allowing air to flow linearly from the cyclone outlet to the suction motor inlet, with pre- and post-motor filters positioned to maintain a linear airflow path, reducing backpressure and enabling increased airflow without motor size or weight increments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the airflow path is configured with non-linear routing between cyclone and motor, then the components can be compactly arranged, but backpressure increases and airflow rate decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional airflow path configuration by making the airflow path linear rather than non-linear. The cyclone axis is positioned parallel to the motor axis, creating a direct linear flow path from cyclone outlet to motor inlet, which reduces backpressure and increases airflow rate despite increasing structural complexity.
2Productivity
If the suction motor size is increased to maximize airflow rate, then airflow rate increases, but the weight and size of the device increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the backpressure constraint from the system by reconfiguring the airflow path. By eliminating non-linear routing and positioning the cyclone axis parallel to the motor axis, the design removes the restriction that previously required a larger motor, allowing a smaller motor to achieve the same airflow rate.
3Productivity
If the cyclone axis is positioned non-parallel to the motor axis, then component arrangement is simplified, but airflow path becomes non-linear and backpressure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional alignment approach by positioning the cyclone axis parallel to the motor axis rather than using non-parallel arrangement. This inversion creates a linear airflow path that reduces backpressure and increases airflow rate, despite requiring more precise alignment between components.
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 configuration enhances airflow rate through the hand vacuum cleaner, allowing for either increased airflow with the same motor size or using a smaller motor, while maintaining efficiency and reducing the overall weight and size of the device.
Implementation Method 1
a cyclonic separator for separating dirt and dust from an airflow
Implementation Method 2
The air rotates about a generally vertical axis in use
Data Source
AI summary
A hand vacuum cleaner has a cyclone assembly, which comprises a cyclone chamber and a dirt collection chamber. The cyclone chamber has a front end and an axially spaced apart rear end. A dirt collection chamber has a front end and an axially spaced apart rear end. The front end of the cyclone chamber is axially spaced from the front end of the dirt collection chamber. The cyclone assembly has a front openable door which opens the dirt collection chamber.