Vacuum Cleaner Airflow Path Integration for Filter Accessibility

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cleaners have complex structures with numerous parts, making it difficult to access and clean filters, which leads to reduced suction ability due to dust accumulation and increased airflow resistance.

Innovation Solution

A cleaner design featuring a single flow guide that forms both suction and exhaust passages for the suction motor, minimizing parts and maintaining a compact, non-deformed external appearance, with a filter unit that can be easily separated for cleaning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the pre motor filter is disposed between the airflow generator and the cyclone and surrounded by a housing, then the motor is protected from dust, but it becomes troublesome for users to access and clean the filters as product disassembly is required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemotor protectionVSAvoidfilter accessibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The pre-motor filter is extracted from the enclosed housing structure and positioned in a location that is directly accessible to users. The filter can be removed and cleaned without disassembling the product housing, while the motor remains protected through the designed airflow path that guides clean air to the motor.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Reliability

If separate structures are provided for guiding air from the cyclone to the motor and from the motor to the post motor filter, then air flow paths are clearly defined, but the number of parts increases and the structure becomes complicated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveair flow controlVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The housing structure is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it guides air from the cyclone to the motor, supports the pre-motor filter, and directs air from the motor to the post-motor filter. This integration reduces the number of separate air guiding structures while maintaining reliable airflow control through the vacuum cleaner system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 design enhances airflow efficiency, increases suction force, and extends battery life by reducing airflow loss and simplifying the structure, while allowing for easy filter maintenance without disassembling the product.

Implementation Method 1

a first cyclone unit (110) that separates dust from air sucked by the suction force; a second cyclone unit (130) that separates dust from air received from the first cyclone unit (110)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCyclone separation: Cyclone Separation

Implementation Method 2

a suction motor (20) that generates suction force; an impeller (200) positioned at an upper portion in the suction motor (20)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectImpeller rotation: Impeller

Data Source

PatentEP4104730B1Cleaning apparatus
Publication Date: 2023.05.03 LG ELECTRONICS INC
  • EP4104730B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4104730B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4104730B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention provides a cleaner comprising a suction motor (20) that generates suction force; an impeller (200) positioned at an upper portion in the suction motor (20); a first cyclone unit (110) that separates dust from air sucked by the suction force; a second cyclone unit (130) that separates dust from air received from the first cyclone unit (110); a motor housing (26, 27) covering at least the suction motor (20); a pre-filter (29) that surrounds an outer surface of the motor housing (26, 27); and air passage (232) that surrounds an outer surface of the pre-filter (29) and flows air discharged from the second cyclone unit (130) toward the suction motor (20).