Nested Cyclone Layout for Compact Vacuum Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vacuum cleaners with cyclonic separating units face a trade-off between increasing separation efficiency and maintaining a compact size, as adding more cyclones in parallel improves efficiency but can increase the external diameter and lead to blockages if cyclones are made too small.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates multiple sets of cyclones in the second cyclonic separating unit, arranged in a compact manner to maximize the number of cyclones while minimizing the overall size, with each set having a different orientation and spacing to optimize airflow and prevent blockages, and includes a flexible portion in the cyclones to prevent dirt buildup.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the number of parallel cyclones in the second cyclonic separating unit is increased to improve separation efficiency, then the separation efficiency increases, but the external diameter of the separating apparatus increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies nesting by arranging the first cyclones and second cyclones in concentric rings about a central axis, with inner rings positioned within outer rings. This nested configuration allows multiple cyclones to be packed into a compact cylindrical volume, increasing the number of parallel cyclones without proportionally increasing the external diameter, thus resolving the contradiction between separation efficiency and apparatus size.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a planar arrangement of cyclones to a three-dimensional concentric ring configuration about a central axis. By utilizing the radial and axial dimensions, multiple sets of cyclones can be arranged in parallel while maintaining a compact external diameter, effectively increasing separation efficiency without excessive size increase.
2Productivity
If the size of individual cyclones is reduced to accommodate more cyclones in parallel, then more cyclones can fit, but the cyclones can become blocked more easily and air flow rate decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing a flexible portion specifically at the outlet of each cyclone, while the rest of the cyclone body maintains its structural integrity. This localized flexibility allows the outlet to adapt and prevent blockages without requiring the entire cyclone to be larger, thus maintaining both high separation efficiency and blockage resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a flexible portion (flexible shell) at the cyclone outlet that can deform to prevent dirt buildup and blockages. This flexible element maintains reliable operation by adapting to debris accumulation, allowing smaller cyclones to operate reliably without excessive blockage risk.
3Productivity
If the cyclones are arranged in a ring configuration, then the separation efficiency increases, but the overall size of the separating apparatus increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent arranges multiple rings of cyclones in a nested configuration about a central axis, with inner rings positioned within outer rings. This nested ring structure maximizes the number of parallel cyclones within a compact cylindrical volume, increasing separation efficiency without excessive increase in overall apparatus size.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes three-dimensional space by arranging cyclones in concentric rings about a central axis rather than in a single planar layer. This dimensional arrangement allows efficient packing of multiple cyclones while maintaining a compact external footprint, resolving the contradiction between separation efficiency and apparatus volume.
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 separation efficiency without increasing the size of the vacuum cleaner, allowing for effective airflow and reduced blockages, enabling the vacuum to operate without a filter assembly upstream of the fan unit.
Implementation Method 1
the separation efficiency of the separating unit, that is, the ability of the separating unit to separate entrained particles from an air flow, can be increased. This is due to an increase in the centrifugal forces generated within the cyclones which cause dust particles to be thrown from the air flow.
Implementation Method 2
Vacuum cleaners which utilize cyclonic separating apparatus are well known. The separating apparatus comprises first and second cyclonic separating units through which an incoming air passes sequentially.
Data Source
AI summary
A surface treating appliance includes a first cyclonic separating unit including a plurality of first cyclones arranged in parallel about an axis, and a second cyclonic separating unit located downstream from the first cyclonic separating unit and including a plurality of second cyclones arranged in parallel, the plurality of second cyclones being divided into at least a first set of second cyclones arranged about the axis and a second set of second cyclones. The plurality of first cyclones extends about the first set of second cyclones, and the first set of second cyclones extends about the second set of second cyclones.