Configuration of a surface cleaning apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional 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 suction motor size or weight is increased to maximize airflow rate, then the airflow rate is improved, but the device weight and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the airflow path, specifically making it linear and aligned with the cyclone axis parallel to the motor axis. This parameter optimization reduces flow resistance and backpressure, enabling the existing motor to achieve higher airflow rates without increasing motor size or weight.
2Productivity
If the suction motor size or weight is increased to maximize airflow rate, then the airflow rate is improved, but the device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the airflow path geometry parameters, creating a linear path that minimizes volume requirements. By aligning the cyclone axis parallel to the motor axis and positioning filters to maintain linearity, the design achieves high airflow rates within a compact motor volume.
3Productivity
If conventional airflow path configuration is used, then the device structure is simple, but backpressure increases reducing efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the airflow path configuration from conventional bent paths to a linear path. This parameter change reduces turbulence and backpressure, improving cleaning efficiency. The specific configuration involves aligning the cyclone axis parallel to the motor axis and positioning filters to maintain linearity, which is a relatively simple structural arrangement.
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 a smaller motor or increased airflow without increasing the motor's size or weight, thereby improving cleaning efficiency.
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 portable vacuum cleaner has an air treatment chamber, a pre-motor filter positioned downstream from the air treatment chamber, a body including a suction motor, the suction motor is positioned in the air flow passage downstream from the pre-motor filter. A handle is provided on the body. The pre-motor filter has a first end, an axially spaced apart second end, a sidewall extends between the first end of the pre-motor filter and the axially spaced apart second end, wherein the sidewall comprises a filter material surrounding an open interior providing a filtered air flow path, the axially spaced apart second end is open whereby, after passing through the sidewall, air enters the filtered air flow path and passes through the open axially spaced apart second end. The longitudinal air treatment chamber axis and the motor axis extend in the same direction and each extend through the open interior.