Suction Gripper Air Guide Design for Cyclone Filter Protection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing suction devices lack an efficient mechanism to direct and control air flow within the cyclone chamber, which limits the separation of particles and liquids from the air flow, and often result in direct air flow onto the filter element, reducing its service life.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating an air guiding device that directs the air flow within the cyclone chamber on a circular path around the filter element, preventing direct air flow onto the filter and increasing the separation efficiency by deflecting a portion of the air flow, thus enhancing the centrifugal separation mechanism and extending the filter's service life.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Duration of action of stationary object

If air flow is allowed to move freely through the cyclone chamber, then the suction power is maintained, but the filter element is directly exposed to high-velocity air flow which reduces its service life

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefilter service lifeVSAvoidsuction power
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of stationary objectVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The air guiding device acts as an intermediary element between the high-velocity air flow and the filter element. It redirects the air flow to move around the filter element in a circular path, preventing direct impact while still allowing the air flow to pass through the cyclone chamber and maintain suction power.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The air guiding device divides the air flow into different paths: one portion continues through the cyclone chamber for particle separation, while another portion is directed around the filter element. This segmentation allows the air flow to be controlled differently in different regions of the cyclone chamber.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Manufacturing precision

If a traditional cyclone chamber design is used, then the structure is simple, but the separation efficiency of particles and liquids from air flow is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveseparation efficiencyVSAvoidcyclone chamber structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The air guiding device serves as an intermediary structure within the cyclone chamber that enhances the separation process. It creates a controlled circular air flow pattern that improves particle and liquid separation from the air stream without requiring a complete redesign of the cyclone chamber structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The air guiding device utilizes curved surfaces and circular air flow paths to enhance centrifugal separation. The circular path created by the air guiding device increases the residence time of particles and liquids in the high-velocity region, improving separation efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

3Productivity

If the air guiding device is added to control air flow, then the separation efficiency is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveseparation efficiencyVSAvoidcyclone chamber components
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The air guiding device performs multiple functions simultaneously: it directs air flow around the filter element to protect it, creates circular air flow patterns to enhance separation, and maintains suction power by allowing air flow to pass through the cyclone chamber. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 air guiding device improves the separation of particles and liquids from the air flow, increases the filter's service life by reducing direct air flow impact, and allows for adaptable filter elements with specific pore sizes for various applications.

Implementation Method 1

The suction device has at least one cyclone chamber... with the air stream being guided into the collection container via a first air duct. The cyclone chamber is designed to separate substance and/or fluid particles from the air stream by a centrifugal separation mechanism.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCentrifugal separation: Centrifugal Separation

Implementation Method 2

The filter element is advantageously designed to filter substance and/or fluid particles as they exit the cyclone chamber.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFiltration: Filter (physical)

Data Source

PatentEP3735886B1Suction gripper
Publication Date: 2024.08.28 ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
  • EP3735886B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3735886B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3735886B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A suction device (100) is disclosed, comprising a housing (102), an electric motor (142) for generating an airflow (150), the housing (102) having an air inlet (152) through which the airflow (150) can enter the housing (102), and an air outlet (154) through which the airflow (150) can leave the housing (102), at least one cyclone chamber (120), a collection container (104), and a filter element (106). It is proposed that the suction device (100) includes at least one air guide (200) for directing the airflow (150) within the cyclone chamber (120).