Hand Vacuum Dirt Bin Layout for Better Dirt Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional surface cleaning apparatuses with coaxial cyclones and dirt bins have limitations in dirt and water collection capacity and retention, leading to frequent emptying and re-entrainment of dirt due to central inlet design.
Innovation Solution
A surface cleaning apparatus with a dirt bin having an off-centre inlet, which increases the cross-sectional area of the dirt chamber, enhancing dirt retention and reducing re-entrainment by positioning the inlet at least 10% to 25% off the central axis, and incorporating a cyclonic cleaning stage with a dirt outlet at the inlet, and optionally using a transversely extending plate to minimize cyclonic motion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the dirt bin inlet is positioned centrally (coaxial with cyclone), then the structure is simple and symmetric, but the collection capacity is limited and dirt re-entrainment occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by positioning the dirt bin inlet off-center relative to the cyclone axis. The inlet is located at a radial distance of 0.1 to 0.3 times the cyclone inlet diameter from the cyclone center, creating an asymmetric configuration that increases collection capacity by reducing fluid flow effects and dirt re-entrainment while maintaining structural simplicity
2Quantity of substance
If the dirt bin cross-sectional area is increased, then collection capacity increases and emptying frequency decreases, but the apparatus size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by varying the cross-sectional area of the dirt bin along its height. The dirt bin has a larger cross-sectional area in the lower portion compared to the upper portion, allowing increased collection capacity while controlling overall size. This gradient design optimizes space utilization and maintains compact dimensions
3Reliability
If the inlet is positioned centrally, then fluid flow distribution is uniform, but dirt retention is poor due to fluid flow effects at the inlet
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by positioning the inlet off-center at a radial distance of 0.1 to 0.3 times the cyclone inlet diameter from the cyclone center. This asymmetric positioning isolates the lower portion of the dirt bin from fluid flow effects, significantly improving dirt retention while maintaining acceptable fluid flow distribution through the collection chamber
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 off-centre dirt bin design increases the collection capacity and reduces the frequency of emptying, while minimizing re-entrainment of dirt, allowing for more efficient dirt retention and improved cleaning performance.
Implementation Method 1
A cyclonic cleaning stage is provided in the fluid flow path and comprises at least one, and preferably one, cyclone chamber
Implementation Method 2
by positioning the inlet off centre, the part of the dirt chamber distal to the inlet is more isolated from any fluid flow effects at the dirt inlet, thereby enhancing dirt retention in the dirt chamber
Data Source
AI summary
A hand vacuum cleaner is provided with a wand mounted to the dirty fluid inlet of the hand vacuum cleaner and the wand has a distal inlet that is mounted on a surface cleaning head. The hand vacuum cleaner has a cyclonic cleaning stage. Fluid exiting the wand travels directly into the dirty fluid inlet and, from the dirty fluid inlet, directly into the cyclone chamber.