Nested Cyclone Dust Collector With Guide Vanes for Fine Dust Separation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vacuum cleaners with multi-cyclone structures face issues such as increased height, reduced dust collection volume, inefficient air introduction between cyclones, and poor separation of fine dust due to interference and decreased suction power, as well as inconvenient dust discharge processes.

Innovation Solution

A dust collector design that accommodates a second cyclone within a first cyclone, utilizing first and second guide vanes to enhance rotational flow and air introduction, and a mesh filter for separate dust and fine dust collection, with a lower cover for simultaneous discharge.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a multi-cyclone structure with vertically disposed cyclones is used, then fine dust separation performance is improved, but the height of the dust collector increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefine dust separation performanceVSAvoidheight of dust collector
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies nesting by placing the second cyclone inside the first cyclone, with the second cyclone positioned in the central region of the first cyclone. This nested configuration allows multiple cyclones to occupy the same vertical space, reducing the overall height of the dust collector while maintaining the fine dust separation capability provided by the multi-cyclone structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from a vertical stacking arrangement to a radial/concentric arrangement by positioning cyclones at different radial distances from the central axis. The first cyclone is disposed at a first radial distance and the second cyclone at a second radial distance, utilizing the radial dimension to accommodate multiple cyclones without increasing height.

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

2Length of stationary object

If the dust collector is designed with a slim profile to reduce height, then the height is reduced, but the volume for collecting dust decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheight of dust collectorVSAvoiddust collection volume
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of stationary objectVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

By nesting the second cyclone inside the first cyclone, the patent maximizes the utilization of the available internal volume without increasing the external dimensions. The dust collection chambers of both cyclones are arranged concentrically, allowing both to contribute to dust collection within the same vertical envelope, thereby maintaining collection volume while reducing height.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the dust collection function into multiple cyclones operating at different radial positions. Each cyclone has its own dust collection chamber, and the segmented arrangement allows efficient use of space, maintaining total collection volume while compacting the vertical profile.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Quantity of substance

If air passes through the first cyclone before entering the second cyclone, then large dust is removed, but the flow speed decreases and fine dust separation efficiency is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelarge dust removalVSAvoidair flow speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by providing different functional characteristics to different regions of the cyclone system. The first cyclone handles large dust particles with its larger separation capacity, while the second cyclone positioned at a different radial distance handles fine dust particles. The guide passages are specifically designed to maintain appropriate flow speeds in each region, with the second guide passage optimized for fine dust separation despite the reduced flow speed after the first cyclone.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

4Measurement precision

If a tangential inhalation type cyclone structure is used, then dust separation is achieved, but guide passages are required which increase complexity and passage loss

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedust separation capabilityVSAvoidguide passage structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the functions of the cyclone body and the guide passages by forming the guide passages as integral parts of the cyclone structure. The first guide passage is formed in the first cyclone and the second guide passage is formed in the second cyclone, eliminating the need for separate, complex guide passage components and reducing passage loss through streamlined design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 reduces the overall height of the dust collector, improves air introduction efficiency, enhances fine dust separation, and facilitates easy and simultaneous discharge of dust and fine dust, preventing performance degradation and user inconvenience.

Implementation Method 1

a first guide vane spirally extended from an annular shaped first space between the first and the second cyclone to induce rotational flow so as to introduce air introduced into the first space to an inlet of the second cyclone

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRotational flow: Vortex Ring

Implementation Method 2

second guide cane spirally extended along an inner circumference of the inlet to enhance the rotational flow of air introduced to an inside of the second cyclone through the inlet

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRotational flow: Vortex Ring

Implementation Method 3

a vacuum cleaner with a method of communicating a suction nozzle with a body through a connecting member... separate dust or dirt from the air

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCentrifugal force: Centrifugal Force

Data Source

PatentEP3244786B1Dust collector for vacuum cleaner
Publication Date: 2019.10.30 LG ELECTRONICS INC
  • EP3244786B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3244786B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3244786B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present disclosure discloses a dust collector for a vacuum cleaner, including a first cyclone disposed within an outer case to filter out dust from air introduced from an outside thereof and introduce the air from which dust has been filtered out to an inside thereof, a second cyclone accommodated in the inside of the first cyclone to separate fine dust from the air introduced to the inside of the first cyclone, a first guide vane spirally extended from an annular shaped first space between the first and the second cyclone to induce rotational flow so as to introduce air introduced into the first space to an inlet of the second cyclone, and a second guide vane spirally extended along an inner circumference of the inlet to enhance the rotational flow of air introduced to an inside of the second cyclone through the inlet.