Multi-Cyclone Separator Tapered Discharge Chamber

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing multi-cyclone separators face inefficiencies in particle and liquid separation, leading to reduced service life and increased operational costs due to the need for additional suction mechanisms for discharge.

Innovation Solution

The discharge chamber is designed to taper like a funnel towards the discharge opening, allowing particles and liquid to be guided efficiently without additional suction, reducing component and mounting expenditures, and enabling self-discharge functionality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If additional suction mechanisms are added to discharge particles and liquid from the discharge chamber, then discharge efficiency is improved, but device complexity and component expenditure increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedischarge efficiencyVSAvoidcomponent expenditure
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The discharge chamber is designed to enable self-discharge of particles and liquid through its own geometry. The tapered shape creates a self-draining effect where separated particles and liquid automatically flow toward the discharge opening under gravity, eliminating the need for external suction mechanisms while maintaining effective discharge functionality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The geometry of the discharge chamber is modified by changing its shape parameters - specifically implementing a tapered design that transitions from a larger volume at the inlet to a smaller volume at the discharge opening. This geometric parameter change enables the chamber to function as a self-draining structure, allowing particles and liquid to discharge efficiently without additional mechanical components

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Quantity of substance

If the discharge chamber volume is increased to accommodate more particles and liquid, then discharge capacity is improved, but the separator size and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedischarge capacityVSAvoidseparator size
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of increasing chamber volume through uniform expansion in all dimensions, the design utilizes the vertical dimension effectively by implementing a tapered geometry. The chamber transitions from a wider inlet section to a narrower discharge section, creating a compact structure that maximizes discharge capacity within a minimized footprint by exploiting gravitational flow in the vertical direction

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

3Ease of operation

If a compact separator design is used to reduce mounting space, then ease of installation is improved, but discharge efficiency may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemounting expenditureVSAvoiddischarge efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The discharge chamber employs curved, tapered surfaces that smoothly guide particles and liquid toward the discharge opening. This curved geometry, rather than sharp angles or flat surfaces, creates efficient flow paths that maintain discharge effectiveness while allowing for a compact overall structure that is easier to install in limited spaces

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

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 enhances separation efficiency, extends the service life of the multi-cyclone separator, and allows for higher flow rates in dusty or liquid-laden environments by eliminating the need for additional suction, resulting in a more cost-effective and efficient filtration process.

Implementation Method 1

the at least one discharge chamber tapers like a funnel toward the at least one discharge opening. Due to the funnel-type tapering (funnel shape) of the at least one discharge chamber, the separated particles, in particular dust, and/or liquid, in particular water or water droplets, can be guided toward the at least one discharge opening

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGravity: Gravitation

Implementation Method 2

a plurality of cyclone cells for separating particles and/or liquid from the gaseous fluid

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCyclone separation: Cyclone Separation

Implementation Method 3

cyclone cells for separating particles and/or liquid from the gaseous fluid

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCentrifugal force: Centrifugal Force

Data Source

PatentUS11311891B2Multi-cyclone separator of a multi-stage fluid filter for cleaning gaseous fluid and multi-stage fluid filter
Publication Date: 2022.04.26 MANN HUMMEL GMBH
  • US11311891B2 patent drawing
  • US11311891B2 patent drawing
  • US11311891B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A multi-cyclone separator of a multi-stage fluid filter for cleaning gaseous fluid is provided with a plurality of cyclone cells for separating particles and/or liquid from the gaseous fluid. The cyclone cells each have an inlet for the gaseous fluid to be purified, an outlet for the gaseous fluid freed of particles and liquid, and at least one discharge window discharging the separated particles and liquid. At least one discharge chamber is provided, and the discharge windows of the cyclone cells open into the at least one discharge chamber. At least one discharge opening leads out of the at least one discharge chamber. The at least one discharge chamber tapers in a funnel shape toward the at least one discharge opening. A multi-stage fluid filter is provided with the multi-cyclone separator that is arranged upstream of a main filter of the multi-stage fluid filter.