Scraper Element with Groove-Rib Engagement for Filter Module Cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing suction devices, such as handheld vacuum cleaners, face challenges in conveniently and hygienically emptying and cleaning the collection area and filter module, particularly due to hair wrapping around the filter module, which complicates the removal process.
Innovation Solution
A separation unit with a cylindrical collection container and a scraper element, such as a scraper ring, that moves along the filter module's surface to clean it thoroughly, combined with a coupling mechanism for easy actuation and a guide system for reliable movement, allowing for efficient removal of debris and hair.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the collection area is designed as a ring around the filter module to create cyclone-like airflow, then particle separation efficiency is improved, but hair wrapping around the filter module occurs making cleaning difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The scraper element is divided into multiple scraping elements arranged circumferentially around the filter module, with each scraper handling a specific angular sector. This segmentation allows comprehensive cleaning of the entire filter surface while maintaining the cyclone separation functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
A scraper element is introduced as an intermediary component between the filter module and the collection area. This scraper acts as a mediator that removes accumulated hair and particles from the filter surface without requiring disassembly of the cyclone separation structure.
2Reliability
If manual disassembly is required to empty and clean the separator unit, then complete cleaning is possible, but user comfort and hygiene are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The scraper element is designed to be movable along the filter module surface, allowing users to clean the filter by simply moving the scraper without disassembling any components. The system enables self-service cleaning where the user operates the scraper to remove contaminants while the cyclone structure remains intact.
Solution Approach 2:
The scraper element is designed as a removable and replaceable component that can be easily detached, cleaned, and reattached. This allows the scraping function to be recovered and reused multiple times, maintaining cleaning effectiveness while simplifying user operation.
3Area of stationary object
If the scraper element is made long to cover the entire filter surface, then cleaning coverage is improved, but the scraper becomes difficult to maneuver and clean itself
Solution Approach 1:
The scraper element is segmented into multiple smaller scraping elements arranged circumferentially around the filter module. Each scraper handles a specific angular sector, providing comprehensive coverage of the entire filter surface while keeping individual scraper dimensions manageable and easy to maneuver.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of extending the scraper lengthwise along the filter axis, the scraping function is distributed circumferentially around the filter module. This dimensional change from longitudinal extension to circumferential arrangement provides complete surface coverage while maintaining compact and maneuverable scraper 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
Enables convenient and thorough cleaning of the filter module and collection area, reducing user discomfort and improving hygiene by facilitating easy and complete removal of dirt and hair without the need for manual disassembly.
Implementation Method 1
The suction airflow can exhibit a cyclone-like flow pattern around its (central) longitudinal axis
Implementation Method 2
The suction airflow can then pass across the surface of the filter module towards its central longitudinal axis. The particles are retained by the filter module
Implementation Method 3
The filter module is arranged in the collection container and is designed to filter particles from the suction airflow. The surface of the filter module can be formed by a sieve (or by a lint filter)
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 1c~2a
Figure 2b
AI summary
A separation unit (150) for a suction device (100) is described, wherein the separation unit (150) comprises a collection container (102) with a collection area (103) for receiving particles from a suction air stream (121, 122, 123) of the suction device (100). The separation unit (150) further comprises a filter module (105) arranged in the collection container (102), which is configured to filter out particles from the suction air stream (121, 122, 123), wherein the surface of the filter module (105) has a groove (416) extending along a longitudinal axis (201).Furthermore, the separation unit (150) includes a scraper element (106) which is designed to be moved along the longitudinal axis (201) over the surface of the filter module (105) in order to clean the surface of the filter module (105), wherein the scraper element (106) has a rib (616) which engages in the groove (416) on the surface of the filter module (105) when the scraper element (106) moves along the longitudinal axis (201).