Suction Nozzle Whirlwind Airflow for Lifting Dense Debris
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cleaning devices face inefficiencies in lifting small items with a low external surface-to-weight ratio due to limited airflow and vacuum generation, particularly in small mobile machines, which results in reduced suction efficiency and blockages from items like wet leaves and plastic trays.
Innovation Solution
The design of a suction nozzle with air inlet channels arranged to create a whirlwind effect, where airflows enter the nozzle in directions parallel to the surface and tangential to the suction hose opening, enhancing airflow velocities and concentrating suction power around the center of the whirlwind, combined with oncoming airflows and brushes to improve dirt collection efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a larger vacuum is generated within the dirt container and suction hose, then larger items can be lifted up from the surface and sucked into the dirt container, but the noise level created by the vacuum-generating means increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the airflow parameters by creating a whirlwind effect with tangential air inlet channels, which increases airflow velocity and improves lifting capability without requiring a larger vacuum, thus avoiding increased noise level
2Quantity of substance
If more energy is used to generate a larger vacuum and airflow within the suction nozzle, then items with high densities relative to their external volume can be lifted up from the surface, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the airflow parameters by creating a whirlwind effect with tangential air inlet channels, which increases airflow velocity and improves lifting capability for dense items without requiring proportionally higher energy consumption
3Duration of action of moving object
If the distance between the front edge of the suction nozzle and the connection of the suction hose to the suction nozzle is increased, then items have longer time to be lifted up into the airflow, but the suction efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the airflow velocity parameter through the whirlwind effect, which compensates for the increased distance by providing higher velocities that maintain lifting efficiency over the extended distance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a rotational dimension to the airflow through tangential air inlet channels, creating a whirlwind effect that enhances the lifting capability in the vertical dimension while maintaining horizontal coverage
4Speed
If the height of the openings along the front and rear edges of the suction nozzle is reduced, then high airflow velocities are obtained for lifting up items, but the vacuum within the suction nozzle and suction hose increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different airflow characteristics to different locations within the suction nozzle by introducing tangential air inlet channels at specific positions, creating localized high-velocity regions that improve lifting without requiring reduced opening heights throughout
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
This configuration significantly increases suction efficiency by creating higher air velocities within the nozzle, effectively lifting smaller items and reducing blockages, allowing for more efficient collection of particles and small items with a low external surface-to-weight ratio.
Implementation Method 1
air inlet channels arranged within the periphery of the nozzle orifice in such a way that, when a vacuum is generated within the dirt container and/or within the suction hose... an airflow is caused to enter the suction nozzle through the air inlet channel in a direction, which is substantially parallel to the surface to be cleaned and substantially tangential to the opening of the suction hose into the suction nozzle, whereby a whirlwind is formed within the suction nozzle
Implementation Method 2
a suction nozzle being connected to a dirt container through a suction hose and a vacuum-generating means, such as for instance a suction wheel, for generating a vacuum within the dirt container and/or within the suction hose, wherein, when a vacuum is generated within the dirt container and/or within the suction hose and the nozzle orifice is placed against a surface to be cleaned, dirt in the form of particles and smaller items can be lifted up from the surface by the suction nozzle and sucked into the dirt container
Data Source
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AI summary
A cleaning device (1) is disclosed comprising a suction nozzle (4) connected to a dirt container (2) through a suction hose (5) and means for generating a vacuum within the dirt container and/or within the suction hose, wherein, when such a vacuum is generated and the nozzle orifice is placed against a surface to be cleaned, dirt can be lifted up from the surface by the suction nozzle and sucked into the dirt container, and wherein at least one air inlet channel (10) is arranged within the periphery of the nozzle orifice in such a way that, when a vacuum is generated and the nozzle orifice is placed against the surface to be cleaned, an airflow (11) enters the suction nozzle in a direction substantially parallel to the surface to be cleaned and substantially tangential to the opening of the suction hose into the suction nozzle, whereby a whirlwind (8) is formed within the suction nozzle continuing at least partly through the suction hose.