Multi-Cartridge Filter Valve Control for Dirt Vacuum Cleaners

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing dirt vacuum cleaners have limitations in suction power due to the integration of the blower within the housing, generate excessive noise, and are restricted to single ring filters, which limits their functionality and service life.

Innovation Solution

The design incorporates multiple separately controllable filter cartridges instead of a single large ring filter, with a simplified valve control mechanism where valve disks are firmly connected to the valve rods and held in place by spring-loaded compression springs, allowing for independent control of each filter's cleaning and working positions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a single large ring filter is used, then the structure is simpler, but the service life is limited and replacement is costly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefilter structureVSAvoidservice life
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The single large ring filter is divided into multiple smaller filter cartridges (typically 2-4 cartridges). Each cartridge can be independently cleaned and replaced. This segmentation extends the overall service life because when one cartridge wears out, only that specific cartridge needs replacement rather than the entire filter system, and other cartridges can continue operating.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Volume of moving object

If the blower is integrated into the dirt vacuum cleaner housing, then the structure is compact, but the suction power is limited and noise is excessive

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehousing sizeVSAvoidsuction power
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The blower is extracted from the dirt vacuum cleaner housing and installed as a separate stationary unit. This allows the housing to be compact and mobile while the blower can be sized for high suction power without noise constraints. The blower remains connected to the vacuum cleaner through flexible hoses, enabling the system to achieve both compactness and high performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Volume of moving object

If the blower is integrated into the dirt vacuum cleaner housing, then the structure is compact, but the noise level is excessively high

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehousing sizeVSAvoidnoise
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The noise-generating blower is extracted from the mobile vacuum cleaner housing and positioned as a separate stationary unit. This separation allows the housing to remain compact and quiet for user operations, while the blower operates in a stationary location where noise is less problematic. The connection is maintained through flexible hoses that allow the blower to be positioned away from the housing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

4Device complexity

If a single ring filter is used, then the valve control is simpler, but only one filter can be cleaned at a time and functionality is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevalve controlVSAvoidfilter cleaning flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The single filter system is segmented into multiple independent filter cartridges, each with its own suction opening and valve control. This allows different combinations of cartridges to be cleaned simultaneously or separately based on operational needs. The valve control is designed to manage multiple openings independently, providing flexibility in filter maintenance while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 suction power, extends the service life of the vacuum cleaner, reduces noise, and allows for the use of various filter types, enabling more efficient and flexible operation, including as a pre-separator in stationary fan systems.

Implementation Method 1

the suction opening (14, 15) of the filter (3, 4) is opened by a lifting magnet (26, 27) acting on the valve rod (28, 29)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic force: Electromagnet

Implementation Method 2

valve disk (31, 31a) is firmly connected to the respective valve rod (28, 29) of the lifting magnet (26, 27) and is held in its closed position by means of a spring-loaded helical compression spring (33, 33a)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic force: Spring

Implementation Method 3

The air thus flows in the indicated direction of the arrow into the suction chamber (13), which is air-tightly connected to a circumferential annular chamber (23), into which the air flows, is collected there and leaves the inlet opening (20) in the direction of the arrow 49

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure gradient: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentEP3146881B1Filter cleaning for dirt suction device
Publication Date: 2019.10.02 NILFISK AS
  • EP3146881B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3146881B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3146881B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Dirt vacuum cleaner with a valve control for cleaning at least one filter (3, 4), in which during the cleaning process at least one valve located in the suction opening of a filter to be cleaned is closed and at least one valve used for rinsing a filter is opened, the valve control having at least one lifting magnet (26 , 27), a valve disk (30a, 30b) and a valve rod (28, 29), the valve disk (30a, 30b) being firmly connected to the respective valve rod (28, 29) of the respective lifting magnet (26, 27) and is spring-loaded in its closed position by means of a spring (33).