Multi-Cyclone Array with Radial Dirt Outlets for Compact Vacuum Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surface cleaning apparatuses with cyclonic cleaning stages often require additional filters and have inefficiencies in particulate matter removal, leading to a need for a more effective design that can compactly handle dirt collection and airflow.
Innovation Solution
A cyclonic cleaning stage with multiple cyclones arranged in parallel, featuring sideways dirt outlets and a radially positioned dirt collection plenum, which allows for efficient dirt collection and a more compact design by directing dirt radially outward and reducing re-entrainment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If traditional cyclonic cleaning stages are used with axial dirt outlets, then the design is simpler, but the overall length increases and compactness is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional axial dirt outlet orientation by implementing radial (sideways) dirt outlets that extend perpendicular to the cyclone axis. This inversion allows the dirt collection plenum to be positioned radially outward from the cyclone chambers, significantly reducing the axial length of the cleaning stage while maintaining effective dirt collection functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a one-dimensional axial dirt outlet arrangement to a two-dimensional radial configuration. By positioning dirt outlets radially and placing the collection plenum in the radial direction outward from the cyclone chambers, the design achieves compactness in the axial direction while utilizing the radial dimension for dirt collection
2Productivity
If multiple cyclones are arranged in parallel for enhanced particulate matter removal, then the cleaning efficiency improves, but the device complexity and space requirement increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple cyclone chambers into a parallel array configuration that shares a common dirt collection plenum. This consolidation allows multiple cyclones to work simultaneously for enhanced particulate matter removal while utilizing shared infrastructure (common plenum and centralized collection region), thereby reducing overall device complexity compared to having separate collection systems for each cyclone
Solution Approach 2:
The common dirt collection plenum serves multiple functions: it collects dirt from all parallel cyclone chambers, acts as a flow distribution manifold, and provides a centralized access point to the dirt collection region. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining high cleaning efficiency
3Productivity
If additional filters are added for complete particulate matter removal, then the cleaning effectiveness improves, but the device complexity and maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the need for additional pre-motor filters by implementing a multi-stage cyclonic cleaning system that achieves complete particulate matter removal through properly configured radial dirt outlets and efficient airflow management. The cyclonic separation process itself is enhanced to handle all particulate removal requirements, making separate filters unnecessary and thereby reducing device complexity and maintenance requirements
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 removal of particulate matter, potentially eliminating the need for pre-motor filters and achieving a more compact and efficient cyclonic cleaning stage, improving airflow and dirt collection efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a cyclonic cleaning stage (which may be referred to as a downstream cyclonic cleaning stage or as a second cyclonic cleaning stage if an upstream air treatment member such an upstream cyclonic cleaning stage is provided) may be used as an air treatment member downstream of a primary air treatment member to remove particulate matter (e.g. dirt, dust) from an airflow exiting the first air treatment member
Implementation Method 2
Surface cleaning apparatus that use one or more cyclonic cleaning stages to remove particulate matter (e.g. dust and dirt) from an airstream are known
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.