Nested Motor and Cyclone Layout for Compact Vacuum Cleaner Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vacuum cleaners face challenges in efficiently utilizing space, leading to increased size and weight, particularly in compact designs like hand-holdable models, where traditional motor and cyclonic separation apparatus arrangements occupy unnecessary space and may not optimize energy efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A motor, fan, and cyclonic separation apparatus arrangement where the motor is nested within a circular array of cyclones, reducing overall size and weight by utilizing the space between cyclones for air flow ducting and cooling, with a dual cyclonic separation unit system for enhanced cleaning efficiency and compact design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If the motor is placed outside the cyclonic separation apparatus, then the motor has sufficient space for cooling and mounting, but the overall device size and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The motor is nested within the circular array of cyclones, specifically positioned in the central space created by the cyclonic separation apparatus. This allows the motor to be housed within the existing structure without requiring additional external space, thereby reducing overall device weight while maintaining cooling pathways through the cyclone array.
2Weight of stationary object
If the motor is nested within the circular array of cyclones, then the device size and weight are reduced, but the motor cooling requirements become more challenging to meet
Solution Approach 1:
The air flow path serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides cooling for the motor, enables cyclonic separation of dust and dirt, and maintains compact device dimensions. The same air flow that cools the motor also passes through the cyclones for separation, eliminating the need for separate cooling systems and reducing overall device weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes pneumatic cooling by directing air flow through passages that pass over the motor housing. The air flow is generated by the fan and directed through the cyclonic separation apparatus, creating a cooling effect on the motor without requiring additional liquid cooling systems or external cooling components.
3Ease of operation
If traditional motor arrangements are used, then the motor has adequate space for mounting and cooling, but the vacuum cleaner requires more internal space leading to larger overall dimensions
Solution Approach 1:
The motor is nested within the circular array of cyclones in the central space, allowing the motor to be mounted in a compact configuration without requiring additional external mounting space. This nesting arrangement maintains adequate space for motor cooling through the cyclone air flow while significantly reducing the overall device volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a traditional linear or external motor arrangement to a three-dimensional nested configuration where the motor is positioned in the central void of the cyclonic array. This spatial reorganization allows efficient use of internal space while maintaining cooling pathways and mounting accessibility.
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 arrangement results in a more compact and energy-efficient vacuum cleaner design that maintains cleaning performance while reducing the need for additional space for the motor, enhancing versatility and prolonging the time between filter emptying.
Implementation Method 1
a cyclonic separation apparatus located in a path of the air flow generated by the fan
Implementation Method 2
the cyclonic separation apparatus comprises a plurality of cyclones each with an air inlet port and an air outlet port, wherein the cyclones are arranged in a generally circular array about a central axis
Implementation Method 3
a motor coupled to a fan for generating air flow
Implementation Method 4
a fan... for generating air flow through the cyclonic separation apparatus
Data Source
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AI summary
A motor, fan and cyclonic separation apparatus arrangement for a vacuum cleaner, the arrangement comprising: a motor (16) coupled to a fan (18) for generating air flow; and a cyclonic separation apparatus (8) located in a path of the air flow generated by the fan, wherein the cyclonic separation apparatus comprises: a plurality of cyclones (84) each with an air inlet port (88) and an air outlet port (56) wherein the cyclones are arranged in a generally circular array about a central axis (21) of the cyclonic separation apparatus; and a cooling air flow path, wherein the motor is nested within the generally circular array of cyclones and wherein the motor is located in the cooling air flow path. A vacuum cleaner comprising the motor (16), fan (18) and cyclonic separation apparatus (8) arrangement.