Vacuum cleaner filter cartridge
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vacuum cleaner filter bags are difficult to insert and remove, often requiring two hands and can result in dust escape during unloading, while bagless systems face issues with entangled hair and dust clouds during emptying.
Innovation Solution
A collapsible filter cartridge with a rigid support structure and flexible filter membrane, featuring structural reinforcement and a non-return valve to facilitate easy insertion and removal with minimal user input, and minimize dust escape, using a design that is self-supporting yet collapsible for flat storage and equipped with a non-return valve to prevent dust egress.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional filter bag is used, then dust can be collected, but the filter bag is difficult to orientate and fit into the vacuum cleaner, requiring two hands to position
Solution Approach 1:
The filter cartridge employs an asymmetric rigid support structure with a flat first end wall and a curved second end wall, creating an inherently directional design that guides correct orientation during insertion. The asymmetric geometry of the support structure ensures the cartridge can only be inserted in the correct orientation, eliminating the need for manual orientation adjustments.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter cartridge design enables self-guided insertion through its asymmetric rigid support structure that automatically orients the cartridge correctly as it is inserted into the vacuum cleaner. The structure itself provides the orientation guidance without requiring user intervention, making the system self-servicing during the insertion process.
2Ease of operation
If a conventional filter bag is used, then dust can be collected, but removal requires hand contact which can result in dust escape during unloading
Solution Approach 1:
The filter cartridge incorporates a removal mechanism that allows the cartridge to be extracted from the vacuum cleaner without direct hand contact. The design enables the cartridge to be removed by activating a release mechanism or by gravitational assistance, allowing dust-free removal where the user does not need to touch the potentially contaminated cartridge surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The rigid support structure acts as an intermediary between the user and the filter cartridge during removal. Instead of directly handling the filter bag, the user interacts with the support structure's removal mechanism, which then facilitates cartridge extraction, preventing direct contact and potential dust escape.
3Strength
If the filter cartridge is made rigid for structural support, then it can maintain shape under vacuum suction, but it becomes difficult to collapse for storage
Solution Approach 1:
The filter cartridge employs a segmented design where the rigid support structure is divided into collapsible sections or panels that can fold or compress together. The support structure consists of multiple rigid panels connected by hinges or flexible joints, allowing the overall structure to maintain rigidity during use but collapse into a compact form for storage.
Solution Approach 2:
The rigid support structure incorporates dynamic elements that allow it to transition between rigid and collapsible states. The structure maintains its rigid form during vacuum operation to provide necessary support, but can be collapsed by applying external force to overcome the structural rigidity, enabling compact storage when not in use.
4Ease of operation
If the filter membrane material is made flexible for collapse, then it can be flattened for storage, but it may buckle or deform under vacuum suction
Solution Approach 1:
The filter cartridge utilizes a rigid support structure enclosed by flexible filter membrane material. The rigid support structure provides the necessary structural stability to prevent buckling under vacuum suction, while the flexible membrane material allows the overall cartridge to collapse for storage. The rigid framework maintains the structural integrity during operation despite the flexibility of the membrane.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to the field of machines for cleaning, particularly vacuum cleaning devices. There is disclosed a filter cartridge for a vacuum cleaner comprising first and second opposite end walls, a side wall or walls which extend between the end walls so as to define an enclosure which surrounds a filter interior, wherein one or more of the walls comprises filter membrane material, the cartridge having an opening provided through the first end wall for receiving air-entrained detritus into the interior, the opening being defined by a rigid support structure which spans and supports the first end wall of the cartridge. The cartridge typically includes a non-return valve which closes when suction is removed so as to help prevent collected detritus escaping from the filter cartridge interior. The valve may comprise a conical valve with flexible facets, or a cantilever flap.