Modular Cyclone Cleaner Design for Accessible Filter Maintenance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cleaners face difficulties in accessing and cleaning the cone-shaped opening of the cyclone assembly, which can become blocked with dust, making it hard for users to maintain the dust separation efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A cleaner design where the dust separation module, including a second cyclone unit, can be easily separated from the main body, allowing for direct access and cleaning of the cyclone unit and filter, while maintaining sealing through a rotation-based coupling mechanism.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the cone-shaped opening is disposed inside the cover on the upper portion of the dust collector, then the structure is compact, but it becomes difficult for users to access and clean the opening

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveAccessibility for cleaningVSAvoidStructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The dust collector is divided into separable modules: the cover can be removed, and the cyclone assembly with the cone-shaped opening can be detached as an independent unit. This segmentation allows users to access and clean the previously inaccessible cone-shaped opening without disassembling the entire device, resolving the contradiction between compact structure and cleaning accessibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of repair

If the dust separation module is made separable for easy cleaning, then maintenance becomes easier, but the coupling state between the module and main body may become unstable

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveEase of cleaningVSAvoidCoupling stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of repairVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The dust separation module is designed to nest within the main body when coupled, with the cyclone assembly fitting into the dust collector housing. This nested configuration maintains a compact integrated structure during operation while allowing easy separation for cleaning, thus preserving both coupling stability and maintenance accessibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Loss of time

If the filter unit is integrated with the dust separation module, then both can be cleaned together, but the structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveCleaning timeVSAvoidStructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The filter unit is merged with the dust separation module into a single integrated assembly. This combination allows users to clean both the cyclone assembly and filter unit together in one removal operation, significantly reducing maintenance time while the modular design keeps the overall structure manageable and not excessively complex.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 design enables efficient cleaning of the cyclone and filter units, prevents blockages, and enhances sealing performance, ensuring stable operation and extended filter life.

Implementation Method 1

a first cyclone unit configured to separate the air and the dusts, which are suctioned through the suction inlet, from each other

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCyclone separation: Cyclone Separation

Implementation Method 2

a first cyclone unit configured to separate the air and the dusts, which are suctioned through the suction inlet, from each other

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCentrifugal force: Centrifugal Force

Implementation Method 3

a second cyclone unit configured to separate the dusts from the air discharged from the first cyclone unit

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCyclone separation: Cyclone Separation

Implementation Method 4

a second cyclone unit configured to separate the dusts from the air discharged from the first cyclone unit

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCentrifugal force: Centrifugal Force

Data Source

PatentEP3747331B1cleaner
Publication Date: 2024.05.15 LG ELECTRONICS INC
  • EP3747331B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3747331B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3747331B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A cleaner, according to the present invention, comprises: a suction part for guiding air and dust; a main body having a first cyclone part for separating the air and the dusts suctioned in through the suction part; and a dust separation module separably connected to the main body and having a second cyclone part for separating the dust from the air discharged from the first cyclone part.