Multi cyclone array for surface cleaning apparatus and a surface cleaning apparatus having same
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surface cleaning apparatuses with cyclonic cleaning stages often require additional filters to capture particulate matter that is not removed by the initial air treatment, leading to increased complexity and size, and inefficiencies in dirt collection due to the orientation of cyclone dirt outlets.
Innovation Solution
A surface cleaning apparatus design featuring a downstream cyclonic cleaning stage with multiple cyclones arranged in parallel, each with a sideways dirt outlet and a dirt collection plenum positioned radially outwardly, allowing for a more compact design and efficient dirt collection by directing dirt radially outward into a plenum, thereby reducing re-entrainment and facilitating a smaller overall length.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If traditional cyclone dirt outlets are used (oriented axially), then dirt collection is achieved, but the apparatus requires additional filters and has increased complexity and size
Solution Approach 1:
The dirt outlet is reoriented from the traditional axial direction to a radial direction perpendicular to the cyclone axis. This inversion of the outlet orientation eliminates the need for additional filters while maintaining effective particulate matter removal, as the radial orientation allows dirt to be directly discharged into the dirt collection chamber without re-entrainment issues
2Productivity
If multiple cyclones are arranged in parallel with traditional axial dirt outlets, then particulate matter removal is achieved, but the overall length of the cleaning stage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The dirt outlet orientation is changed from axial (along the cyclone axis) to radial (perpendicular to the cyclone axis). This dimensional change allows multiple cyclones to be arranged in parallel with their dirt outlets discharging sideways into a common dirt collection chamber, significantly reducing the overall length of the cleaning stage while maintaining high productivity through efficient particulate matter removal
3Reliability
If additional filters are added to capture remaining particulate matter, then removal efficiency is improved, but device complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The need for additional filters is eliminated by extracting the dirt collection function directly into the cyclone design itself. The radially oriented dirt outlets discharge separated particulate matter directly into a dirt collection chamber, achieving high removal efficiency without requiring separate filtration systems, thereby reducing device complexity
4Device complexity
If dirt outlets are oriented axially in traditional cyclones, then simple structure is maintained, but dirt re-entrainment occurs reducing efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The dirt outlet orientation is inverted from axial to radial, perpendicular to the cyclone axis. This inversion prevents dirt re-entrainment by directing discharged particulate matter sideways into the dirt collection chamber where it cannot be重新吸入 by the cyclone inlet, thereby improving dirt collection efficiency while maintaining structural simplicity
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 the efficiency of particulate matter removal, reduces the need for additional filters, and allows for a more compact and effective cyclonic cleaning stage, improving airflow and dirt collection efficiency while maintaining a compact design.
Implementation Method 1
Surface cleaning apparatus that use one or more cyclonic cleaning stages to remove particulate matter (e.g. dust and dirt) from an airstream
Implementation Method 2
each second stage cyclone chamber has a dirt outlet configured such that at least a portion of, and preferably most or substantially all of the dirt exiting a second stage cyclone travels in a radial direction
Data Source
AI summary
A surface cleaning apparatus has an upstream air treatment member and a downstream cyclonic cleaning stage that includes a plurality of cyclones in parallel. Each cyclone has a cyclone axis of rotation, a first end, an axially spaced apart second end, a sidewall extending between the first and second ends, an air inlet, an air outlet, and a sideways dirt outlet. The surface cleaning apparatus also includes a dirt collection chamber and a dirt collection plenum.