Helical Filter Bag Inlet for Visible Vacuum Dirt Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Upright vacuum cleaners face inefficiencies in dirt separation and collection, particularly in cyclone separators and filter bag systems, where debris can be re-entrained into the air stream, and existing designs lack transparency and ease of filter module replacement.
Innovation Solution
A vacuum cleaner design featuring a transparent housing with a helical inlet guide directing air through a removable filter bag or cyclonic module, allowing for clear visibility of dirt collection and easy filter module swapping between bagged and bagless configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a traditional opaque housing is used in vacuum cleaners, then the structural integrity and durability are maintained, but the user cannot visually confirm dirt collection and filter status
Solution Approach 1:
The housing material is selected to be transparent or translucent, allowing visual observation of dirt collection and filter status. This optical property change enables users to monitor the vacuum cleaner's operation and maintenance needs without opening the housing, while still providing adequate structural protection.
2Ease of operation
If filter bags are permanently installed in vacuum cleaners, then the sealing and dirt separation efficiency are maintained, but the filter maintenance and replacement become time-consuming and difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The filter system is segmented into removable filter bags and a fixed housing structure. The filter bags are designed as separate, interchangeable components that can be easily removed and replaced by users, while the housing maintains the sealing interface to ensure continued effective operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter bag installation system incorporates dynamic elements such as elastic sealing lips and snap-fit mechanisms that automatically engage when the filter bag is inserted. This dynamic sealing system maintains reliable sealing efficiency while enabling quick and easy filter replacement without complex tools or procedures.
3Productivity
If cyclone separators are used in vacuum cleaners, then high-speed dirt separation is achieved, but debris can be re-entrained into the air stream and the system lacks adaptability for different filter configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is designed as a universal platform that can accommodate both cyclone separator modules and filter bag modules. The standardized interface and mounting structure allow users to interchange between different filter configurations based on their specific cleaning needs, maintaining high dirt separation efficiency regardless of the module type installed.
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 dirt separation efficiency by visually confirming dirt collection and simplifies filter maintenance with interchangeable modules, improving user experience and cleaning effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
Some cyclone separators use one or more frusto-conical-shaped separator(s), and others use high-speed rotational motion of the air/dirt to separate the dirt by centrifugal force
Implementation Method 2
a filter bag removably mounted within the chamber to separate and collect dirt from a working air stream passing from the air inlet to the air outlet
Implementation Method 3
a suction source fluidly connected to the suction nozzle and to the air inlet for establishing and maintaining a dirt-containing working airstream from the suction nozzle to the chamber
Data Source
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AI summary
A vacuum cleaner (10) comprises a dirt separating and collecting system (26). The dirt separating and collecting system can include a filter module (38) having a filter bag (60), wherein the inlet (36) to the filter bag is helical, and dirt entering the filter bag is visible to the user. Optionally, the filter bag filter module can be interchanged with a bagless filter module (200,210), which may include a conventional cyclone separator.