Vacuum Cleaner Filter Bag Material for Integrated Odor Binding

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vacuum cleaner filter bags made from fine-fiber spunbonded nonwovens are not effective in binding unpleasant odors and require the use of expensive fragrance capsules to mask odors.

Innovation Solution

A multi-layer composite vacuum cleaner filter bag is developed with at least one filter layer made from a fine-fiber spunbonded nonwoven containing a plastic additive of zinc salt of ricinoleic acid, which is incorporated during the extrusion process, allowing the material to effectively absorb and bind odor-causing nitrogen and sulfur compounds.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If fragrance capsules are inserted into the vacuum cleaner to mask odors, then the unpleasant odor is masked, but the cost increases and the solution is complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveunpleasant odorVSAvoidfragrance capsule insertion
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the odor-binding function directly into the filter bag material by incorporating zinc salt of ricinoleic acid during the extrusion process. This merges the filtration function with the odor-binding function into a single integrated component, eliminating the need for separate fragrance capsules or additional odor-control devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The filter bag becomes self-sufficient for odor control by having the zinc salt of ricinoleic acid embedded in its structure. The filter bag automatically binds odor-causing compounds without requiring external intervention such as inserting fragrance capsules or replacing additional components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If zinc salt of ricinoleic acid is added to the extruder during extrusion, then odor-binding effectiveness increases, but the manufacturing process complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveodor-binding effectivenessVSAvoidextrusion process
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent specifies precise parameter ranges for the zinc salt of ricinoleic acid content (0.1% to 10% by weight) to optimize odor-binding effectiveness. By controlling the concentration parameter within this range, the patent achieves reliable odor binding while maintaining manufacturability, as the extrusion process itself remains unchanged.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Measurement precision

If fine-fiber spunbonded nonwoven is used for filter bags, then filtration performance is improved, but the ability to bind odors is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefiltration performanceVSAvoidodor binding capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a composite material by combining fine-fiber spunbonded nonwoven with zinc salt of ricinoleic acid. This composite structure maintains the excellent filtration properties of the fine fibers while adding the odor-binding capability of the zinc salt, achieving both filtration performance and odor control in a single material.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

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 filter bag effectively binds unpleasant odors without the need for fragrance capsules, increasing its service life and odor-binding effectiveness with higher concentrations of zinc salt of ricinoleic acid, while also providing a pleasant aroma when flavorings are added.

Implementation Method 1

the material of the fibers of the fleece having a weight proportion of up to 10% zinc salt of ricinoleic acid... suitable for binding unpleasant odors... binds unpleasant odors by binding the causes of bad odors, such as nitrogen and sulfur compounds

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdsorption: Adsorption

Data Source

PatentEP2583606B1Vacuum cleaner bag with deodorizer and method of making a meltspun nonwoven
Publication Date: 2014.10.29 INNOVATEC MICROFIBER TECH

AI summary

Fine fiber spunbonded fleece produced by heating the polymer as a raw material in an extruder, and pressing under high pressure using a spinneret, comprises a polymer, preferably polypropylene. The material of the fibers of the fleece comprises 10 wt.% zinc salt of ricinoleic acid. Independent claims are also included for: (1) a multi-layer composite material comprising at least one carrier layer and at least one fleece layer, where at least one layer of the multilayer composite material is made of the spunbonded fleece; (2) vacuum cleaner filter bags made of the multi-layer composite material with many filter layers, comprising an enclosed connection region, where at least one filter layer is made of the spunbonded fleece; (3) hygiene articles, preferably diaper, bandage, tampon, or fleece inserts comprising at least one layer made of fine-fiber spunbonded fleece; (4) a filter, preferably a multi-layer filter, where the filter or at least one layer of the multilayer filter is made of the spunbonded fleece; and (5) producing the spunbonded fleece, comprising melting the polymer as the raw material in the extruder, and pressing under high pressure using the spinneret, where the raw material is mixed with 1-50%, preferably 10-20% plastic additive containing 10-20%, preferably 15% zinc salt of ricinoleic acid, prior to extrusion in an extruder.