Removable Cleaning Unit Layout for Low-Profile Vacuum Filtration
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Solution Overview
Problem
All-in-the-head surface cleaning apparatuses have not been widely accepted due to limitations in height, which restricts their ability to clean under furniture, and often have limited filtration capabilities.
Innovation Solution
An all-in-the-head surface cleaning apparatus with a removable portable cleaning unit that includes a suction motor and air treatment members, allowing for above-floor cleaning without the need to lift the entire surface cleaning head, and utilizing cyclonic air treatment technology for effective filtration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the surface cleaning head is made lighter and smaller by placing operating components elsewhere, then maneuverability is improved, but the all-in-the-head design cannot achieve both low height and effective filtration
Solution Approach 1:
The surface cleaning apparatus is divided into two main segments: a lightweight surface cleaning head containing only cleaning components (brush, suction inlet) and a separate upper portion containing the suction motor and air treatment members. This segmentation allows the head to be lightweight for maneuverability while the upper portion provides filtration capability, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and adaptability for cleaning under furniture.
Solution Approach 2:
The upper portion is moveably mounted to the surface cleaning head, allowing it to be positioned in different spatial configurations. When the upper portion is in the upright position, the apparatus achieves low profile height for cleaning under furniture. When moved to the working position, the upper portion connects to provide suction and filtration. This dimensional flexibility resolves the contradiction by allowing the system to adapt its configuration based on the cleaning task.
2Length of stationary object
If the surface cleaning head height is reduced to clean under furniture, then the ability to clean under low furniture is improved, but the apparatus cannot accommodate effective filtration systems
Solution Approach 1:
The air treatment members (cyclones for filtration) are segregated from the surface cleaning head and placed in the upper portion. This segmentation allows the head to maintain low height for cleaning under furniture while the upper portion houses the filtration system, resolving the contradiction between low profile requirement and filtration capability.
Solution Approach 2:
A flexible hose connects the suction inlet in the surface cleaning head to the suction motor in the upper portion, serving as an intermediary that transmits air flow between the low-profile head and the filtration system. This allows the head to remain compact while still providing effective suction and filtration through the connected upper portion.
3Volume of stationary object
If a filter is used for air treatment, then the apparatus can be compact, but filtration ability is limited compared to cyclonic separation
Solution Approach 1:
The traditional filter-based air treatment system is replaced with a cyclonic separation system. Instead of using filters that rely on passive filtration, the cyclones use centrifugal force generated by rotating air flow to separate particulate matter from air. This mechanical substitution provides more effective filtration while maintaining a compact form factor suitable for the upper portion of the apparatus.
Solution Approach 2:
The air treatment approach changes from filtration (capturing particles on a filter surface) to cyclonic separation (using centrifugal force to separate particles). This parameter change in the separation mechanism allows for more effective filtration of particulate matter while maintaining a compact design, as cyclones can achieve high separation efficiency without the bulk of traditional filter systems.
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
Enables the surface cleaning apparatus to maintain effective air filtration and reduce weight, allowing for easier maneuverability and the ability to clean under furniture while providing a common suction motor and air treatment member for both floor and above-floor cleaning modes.
Implementation Method 1
a cyclone assembly comprising a cyclone chamber. The cyclone chamber has a longitudinal cyclone axis that extends between the first and second laterally opposed sides
Implementation Method 2
a suction motor having a suction motor axis, the cleaning unit being at least partially seated within the surface cleaning head
Data Source
AI summary
A vacuum cleaner has a portable cleaning unit that is removably mounted to the surface cleaning head. The vacuum cleaner is operable in a floor cleaning configuration in which the portable cleaning unit is mounted to the surface cleaning head and is part of the air flow path through the vacuum cleaner. The portable cleaning unit is also useable in a portable cleaning configuration in which the portable cleaning unit is removed from the surface cleaning head and the suction motor is powered by an energy storage member.