Nested Multistage Cyclone Layout for Compact Hand Vacuums
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hand vacuum cleaners with cyclonic cleaning stages are bulky and difficult to maneuver, limiting their ability to clean tight spaces and corners effectively.
Innovation Solution
A hand vacuum cleaner design featuring a multistage cyclone assembly with a first stage cyclone and a second stage cyclone that is at least partially nested within the first stage, along with a screen surrounding the second stage cyclone to enhance airflow and reduce size, allowing for a more compact and maneuverable device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional cyclone assembly is used in a hand vacuum cleaner, then effective dirt collection is achieved, but the device becomes bulky and difficult to maneuver
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested cyclone configuration where a second-stage cyclone is positioned inside the first-stage cyclone assembly. This nesting arrangement allows both cyclones to occupy a compact volume, reducing the overall size of the vacuum cleaner while maintaining the dirt collection effectiveness of multiple cyclonic stages
2Ease of operation
If the cyclone assembly size is reduced for better maneuverability, then access to tight spaces is improved, but dirt collection effectiveness may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
By nesting the second-stage cyclone within the first-stage cyclone, the patent achieves a compact footprint that improves maneuverability while preserving the multi-stage dirt collection capability. The nested configuration allows both cyclones to function simultaneously in a reduced space
Solution Approach 2:
The patent repositions the second-stage cyclone to be located above the first-stage cyclone inlet in a vertical arrangement, utilizing the vertical dimension to pack multiple functional stages into a compact horizontal footprint. This dimensional reorganization enables better access to tight spaces while maintaining cleaning effectiveness
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
The compact design enables better access to corners and tight spaces while maintaining effective dirt collection, improving the overall usability and efficiency of the hand vacuum cleaner.
Implementation Method 1
a first stage cyclone having a first stage cyclone chamber, a first stage cyclone air inlet, a first stage cyclone air outlet and a first stage longitudinal cyclone axis about which the air rotates in the first stage cyclone chamber
Implementation Method 2
about which the air rotates in the first stage cyclone chamber
Data Source
AI summary
A hand vacuum cleaner may have a first stage cyclone having a first stage cyclone chamber and a second stage cyclone downstream from the first stage cyclone and at least substantially nested in the first stage cyclone. A screen is positioned laterally outwardly from the second stage cyclone and defines a passage positioned between an inner side of the screen and the outer wall of the second stage cyclone. The screen extends axially at least about 70% of a length of the second stage cyclone chamber.