Separator unit with ejection and/or compression function and suction apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing suction apparatuses, such as hand-held vacuum cleaners, face challenges in conveniently and hygienically removing hairs and dirt from the filter module and collection area, often requiring the separator unit to be decoupled and the filter module to be manually removed, which is inconvenient and unhygienic.
Innovation Solution
A separator unit with a collection container and filter module that includes a scraper element, such as a scraper ring, which slides over the filter module's surface to clean it, and a coupling mechanism for easy actuation, allowing thorough cleaning and dirt ejection without manual contact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the separator unit is decoupled and the filter module is manually removed for cleaning, then the cleaning can be performed, but the operation becomes inconvenient and unhygienic
Solution Approach 1:
The scraper element is designed to automatically clean the filter module surface during the normal operation of the suction apparatus. The scraper element is driven by the suction airflow itself, eliminating the need for manual intervention and enabling the system to clean itself continuously without user contact with dirt
Solution Approach 2:
The scraper element performs preliminary cleaning action by continuously removing particles from the filter module surface during operation, preventing dirt accumulation before manual cleaning is needed. This preliminary action maintains hygiene without requiring the separator unit to be decoupled
2Reliability
If a scraper element is added to clean the filter module, then cleaning effectiveness improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The scraper element is passively driven by the suction airflow that already exists during normal operation. The airflow generates a pressure difference that moves the scraper element along the filter module surface, eliminating the need for motors, actuators, or control systems. This maintains cleaning effectiveness while avoiding additional complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The scraper element serves multiple functions: it cleans the filter module surface, transports collected particles to the collection area, and does so using the existing suction airflow system. This multi-functionality achieves reliable cleaning without adding separate dedicated mechanisms
3Device complexity
If the scraper element is driven by suction airflow pressure difference, then the cleaning mechanism becomes simple, but the force available for scraping may be limited
Solution Approach 1:
The scraper element is designed to continuously scrape the filter module surface as long as the suction apparatus operates. The continuous action of the suction airflow provides sustained force, allowing the scraper to progressively remove accumulated particles over time rather than requiring high instantaneous force
Solution Approach 2:
The scraper element is designed with movable components that can adapt to the filter module surface conditions. The scraper can adjust its position and pressure dynamically based on the suction airflow intensity and particle accumulation, optimizing the scraping force available at different operating conditions
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, ensuring hygiene by minimizing user interaction with dirt and facilitating easy removal and ejection of debris.
Implementation Method 1
the scraper element (106) is driven by a suction airflow (122, 123) of the suction apparatus (100) along a surface of the filter module (105)
Implementation Method 2
a filter module (105) which is arranged in the collection container (102) and is configured to filter particles out of the suction airflow (121, 122, 123)
Implementation Method 3
a cyclone-like suction airflow is created in the collection area
Data Source
AI summary
A separator unit for a suction apparatus contains a collection container with a collection area for receiving particles of dirt from a suction airflow. The collection container runs along a longitudinal axis from a first end side, which during the operation of the suction apparatus faces the blower of the suction apparatus, up to a second end side on which the cover of the collection container is arranged. The separator unit contains a filter module arranged in the collection container and is configured to filter particles of dirt out of the suction airflow. The collection area is adjacent to the surface of the filter module and the filter module is configured so as on the first end side of the collection container to be removed from the collection container or to be inserted into the collection container.