Inverted Cyclone Surface Cleaner for Dual Vacuum and Extraction Modes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional surface cleaning apparatuses require separate machines for vacuuming and extracting cleaning solutions, leading to inefficiencies and increased storage needs, as they are not designed to handle both dry and wet cleaning modes effectively.
Innovation Solution
A surface cleaning apparatus that operates in both vacuum and extractor modes, featuring a liquid distribution system, a momentum separator for liquids, and a cyclone separator for solids, allowing for sequential treatment stages with the liquid stage positioned below the solid stage to reduce energy consumption and footprint.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate machines are used for vacuuming and extracting cleaning solutions, then each machine can be optimized for its specific function, but the user must store and manage two separate machines
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a vacuum cleaner and extractor into a single integrated apparatus. The vacuum cleaner includes a cyclone separator for removing particulate matter and an extractor system with a liquid separator for removing cleaning solution. Both systems share common components including the suction motor, housing, and collection chambers, allowing the device to perform both dry vacuuming and wet extraction functions
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus is designed to perform multiple cleaning functions: dry vacuuming of particulate matter and wet extraction of cleaning solutions. The system includes mode selection mechanisms that allow the user to switch between vacuum mode and extractor mode, with each mode utilizing the appropriate separation system (cyclone for solids, liquid separator for liquids)
2Reliability
If the liquid treatment stage is positioned above the solid particulate matter treatment stage, then the solid separation can be effective, but substantially more energy is required to draw liquid upwardly
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid separator is positioned at a lower elevation than the cyclone separator, allowing liquid to be separated at a lower potential energy level. This gravitational arrangement reduces the energy required by the suction motor to move and separate liquid, as the liquid does not need to be drawn upward against gravity to reach a high-positioned liquid treatment stage
3Use of energy by moving object
If the treatment stages are positioned in a vertical arrangement with liquid stage below solid stage, then energy requirement is reduced, but the apparatus height increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the liquid separator and cyclone separator in a lateral arrangement rather than a purely vertical stack. The liquid separator is positioned laterally adjacent to and below the cyclone separator, allowing both separators to be arranged in a compact footprint while maintaining the energy-efficient elevation relationship. This dimensional reconfiguration reduces the overall apparatus height compared to a vertical stack
4Adaptability or versatility
If a single apparatus is designed to handle both dry and wet cleaning modes, then storage needs are reduced, but the device must be configured to effectively manage both liquid and solid separation
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus is divided into distinct functional segments: a vacuum cleaner portion with cyclone separator for solids, and an extractor portion with liquid separator for liquids. Each segment has its own collection chamber (particulate matter collection chamber and liquid collection chamber). Mode selection mechanisms allow the user to easily switch between vacuum mode and extractor mode, simplifying operation despite the dual-function capability
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
Enables a single apparatus to efficiently vacuum and extract cleaning solutions, reducing energy requirements and storage needs by allowing for both dry and wet cleaning operations with a single device.
Implementation Method 1
The first treatment stage may be designed to remove liquid from an air stream (e.g., a momentum separator)
Implementation Method 2
The second treatment stage may be designed to remove solid particulate matter from the air stream (e.g., one or more cyclones in parallel)
Data Source
AI summary
A surface cleaning apparatus such as an extractor has a liquid delivery system comprising at least one spray nozzle that delivers at least one liquid and an inverted cyclone comprising, when the surface cleaning apparatus is in a floor cleaning orientation, a lower end, a lower end wall, an upper end and an upper end wall, the lower end having a cyclone fluid inlet and a cyclone air outlet and the upper end has a separated element outlet, wherein the cyclone air outlet comprises a treated air outlet conduit and a liquid blocking collar is provided on an outer surface of the treated air outlet conduit below an inlet to the treated fluid outlet conduit. A solid and liquid collection chamber is in communication with the separated element outlet.