Automatic filter cleaning system
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing filter cleaning systems for vacuum cleaners are complex, expensive, and require sophisticated control electronics, making them costly and inefficient for maintaining high filtration levels and airflow.
Innovation Solution
A backflow automatic filter cleaning system using a spring-loaded piston driven by an electrical motor to open a filter cleaning valve, creating a 'hammer effect' that cleans the filter without the need for control electronics, utilizing a piston guide to convert rotary motion into axial movement and control the cleaning interval through mechanical means.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If complex control electronics and multiple valves are used to achieve automatic filter cleaning, then the cleaning effectiveness is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes control electronics and complex valve systems from the filter cleaning mechanism. Instead, it extracts only the essential mechanical components (piston, spring, cam) needed to achieve the cleaning function, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining cleaning effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the vacuum cleaner's own operating air flow to power the filter cleaning process. The air flow itself activates the piston mechanism through pressure differential, eliminating the need for external control systems and making the system self-sufficient.
2Reliability
If multiple components (2 filters, direction valve, solenoid valve) are used to enable back flow cleaning, then the cleaning capability is improved, but the manufacturing cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into a single integrated piston-cam mechanism. The piston both controls the timing and activates the cleaning action, while the cam mechanism integrates the timing function that would otherwise require separate valves and controllers, thereby reducing component count and manufacturing cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The piston mechanism serves multiple functions: it acts as a valve actuator, a timing device through its rotational movement, and a force amplifier through the cam mechanism. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated components for each function.
3Extent of automation
If control electronics are used to operate the filter cleaning system, then the automation level is improved, but the cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electronic control systems with a purely mechanical timing and actuation mechanism. The cam-driven piston system provides automatic operation through mechanical timing, eliminating the need for electronics while maintaining the automation function.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses periodic rotation of the piston (driven by the vacuum motor) to trigger cleaning at regular intervals. This periodic mechanical action automatically times the cleaning cycles without requiring electronic controllers or sensors.
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 system provides a simple, durable, and cost-effective solution for maintaining high airflow by effectively cleaning filters without complex electronics, ensuring efficient operation and reduced maintenance costs.
Implementation Method 1
one or more filter cleaning valve(s) configured to open for one or more filter cleaning back flow air stream(s) to flow into one or more filter(s), where said one or more filter cleaning valves are configured to be activated, directly or indirectly, by the piston and a piston guide, whereby the piston guide and the one or more compression spring(s) are arranged to convert the rotary movement of the piston into an axial movement of the piston
Implementation Method 2
When the piston hits the filter cleaning valve, it opens for a short period of time, thus creating a 'hammer effect' that will overcome the flow forces acting on the filter cleaning valve
Data Source
AI summary
An automatic filter cleaning system, e.g., for cleaning a filter in a vacuum cleaner. The cleaning system has an electrical motor that drives/rotates, directly/indirectly, a piston which directly/indirectly opens a filter cleaning valve. The filter cleaning valve may open for a filter cleaning back flow air stream that thus cleans the filter. The piston is spring loaded and a piston guide ensures that the energy accumulated in the spring and piston is released during the rotation of the piston, thereby shortly opening the filter cleaning valve.