Portable surface cleaning apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cyclonic surface cleaning apparatuses face inefficiencies in dirt collection due to uniform dirt outlet gaps, which can lead to inconsistent cleaning performance and clogging issues.
Innovation Solution
A cyclone design with a non-uniform dirt outlet gap, featuring a plate with a variable sidewall and a cyclone having a longitudinally extending sidewall of varying lengths, creating a gap of different heights to enhance dirt collection efficiency and prevent clogging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a uniform dirt outlet gap is used in cyclonic surface cleaning apparatuses, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but cleaning performance becomes inconsistent and clogging issues occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating a non-uniform dirt outlet gap where different sections have different gap heights. The gap height varies from a first height in a first section to a second height in a second section, allowing each local area to have optimized characteristics for its specific function, thereby improving overall cleaning consistency while preventing clogging in vulnerable areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention implements asymmetry by deliberately designing the dirt outlet gap with varying heights rather than a uniform structure. The plate is positioned at a first distance from the cyclone axis in a first section and at a second distance in a second section, creating an asymmetric gap configuration that optimizes dirt ejection and prevents clogging while maintaining structural feasibility.
2Productivity
If a non-uniform dirt outlet gap is implemented to improve cleaning efficiency, then cleaning performance consistency improves, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the dirt outlet gap into distinct sections with different gap heights. The first section has a first gap height and the second section has a second gap height, allowing each segment to be optimized independently for dirt collection efficiency while simplifying the manufacturing approach compared to a completely complex variable geometry design.
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 non-uniform dirt outlet gap design improves dirt collection efficiency and prevents clogging, ensuring consistent cleaning performance and easy maintenance by allowing for variable cyclone and plate configurations.
Implementation Method 1
Cyclonic surface cleaning apparatuses face inefficiencies in dirt collection
Implementation Method 2
cyclone having an open end, wherein the open end comprises the dirt outlet of the cyclone
Data Source
AI summary
A hand vacuum cleaner having an air treatment member positioned in the air flow passage upstream from a suction motor and comprising a dirt chamber having an openable door, wherein an openable lock securing the door in a closed position is provided. A hand vacuum cleaner having a cyclonic stage and a suction motor, wherein the cyclone unit is mounted to a motor housing wherein a projection of the motor axis extends through the cyclonic stage is also provided.