Filter assembly for reducing noise for a vacuum cleaner

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vacuum cleaners fail to effectively reduce noise while maintaining suction performance, with previous noise reduction methods either increasing energy consumption or limiting filter performance.

Innovation Solution

A filter arrangement with multiple filter areas of differing properties, arranged in a flat design with plane-parallel inflow and outflow surfaces to optimize noise reduction and suction power, using materials with specific flow resistance and sound-insulating effects to adapt to the airflow and noise frequencies.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If a single uniform filter arrangement is used, then the structure is simple, but noise reduction effectiveness is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenoise emissionsVSAvoidfilter structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The filter arrangement is divided into multiple filter areas (first filter area, second filter area, third filter area) with different properties. Each filter area handles different aspects of noise reduction and airflow, allowing the system to reduce noise more effectively without requiring a completely complex new structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different filter areas are assigned different properties: the first filter area has specific flow resistance characteristics, the second filter area has sound-insulating effects, and the third filter area has different flow resistance. This local differentiation allows each region to optimize for its specific function while maintaining overall system simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Object-affected harmful factors

If airtight material layers are added to improve air distribution, then noise reduction improves, but flow area decreases and energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenoise reductionVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The filter arrangement uses air-permeable filter areas instead of airtight material layers. The porous structure of the filters allows air to pass through while still achieving noise reduction, avoiding the energy consumption penalty associated with airtight barriers that restrict airflow and require higher motor power.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #31Porous materials

Solution Approach 2:

The invention extracts the sound-insulating function from the airflow path by using sound-absorbing materials in the filter areas, rather than using airtight barriers that block both sound and air flow. This separates the noise reduction function from the airflow restriction problem.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If filter areas with different properties are used, then noise reduction and suction performance are optimized, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenoise emissionsVSAvoidfilter manufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple filter areas with different properties are merged into a single integrated filter arrangement that can be installed as one unit. This combining approach achieves the noise reduction benefits of differentiated filter zones while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through a unified structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The filter arrangement serves multiple functions simultaneously: the first filter area handles primary filtration and noise reduction, the second filter area provides additional sound insulation, and the third filter area manages airflow distribution. This multi-functionality is achieved within a single manufacturable component rather than requiring multiple separate parts.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Volume of moving object

If the filter arrangement is made compact, then space is saved, but airflow homogeneity may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefilter arrangement volumeVSAvoidairflow homogeneity
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The filter arrangement uses a planar, two-dimensional configuration with plane-parallel inflow and outflow surfaces. This dimensional approach allows the filter to maintain a compact volume while still providing sufficient path length for airflow homogenization through the different filter areas, achieving both compactness and airflow stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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

Significantly reduces noise emissions without compromising suction performance, improving user-friendliness and energy efficiency by utilizing a targeted combination of filter materials and geometries to minimize turbulence and maximize airflow homogeneity.

Implementation Method 1

an air-permeable and sound-absorbing foam filter

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSound absorption: Acoustic Absorption

Implementation Method 2

addresses noise pollution caused by diffuse air turbulence or turbulent flow conditions

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTurbulence: Turbulence

Data Source

PatentEP3517011B1Filter assembly for reducing noise for a vacuum cleaner
Publication Date: 2022.07.27 BSH HAUSGERATE GMBH
  • EP3517011B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3517011B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~3e

AI summary

The present invention relates to a filter arrangement (10) for noise reduction for a vacuum cleaner, comprising a first filter area (1) of a filter which differs from at least one further filter area (2, 3, 4, 5) by at least one predetermined property, wherein the first filter area (1) and the at least one further filter area (2, 3, 4, 5) partially overlap and/or at least partially enclose each other, such that the filter areas (1, 2, 3, 4, 5) form a regular inlet area (6) and a regular outlet area (7) parallel to the inlet area (6) for air flowing through the filter arrangement, wherein the first filter area (1) and the at least one further filter area (2, 3, 4, 5) define adjacent air-permeable partial areas on the inlet area (6) and/or on the outlet area (7).which have different, predetermined properties. By a targeted combination of properties and/or an arrangement of filter areas (1, 2, 3, 4, 5), the filter arrangement (10) can be optimally adapted to the user's needs, specifically to the noise to be dampened and/or the required cleaning and/or suction performance. Furthermore, the invention relates to a vacuum cleaner equipped with such a filter arrangement (10).