Wet and/or dry vacuum cleaning unit

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Solution Overview

Problem

Wet and dry vacuum cleaners suffer from premature shutdown and reduced filter life due to unwanted stirring and swirling of dirt particles in the dirt container, leading to inefficient dirt collection and particle deposition.

Innovation Solution

The inlet connection is designed as a horizontally flowing diffuser with a diffuser opening that is at least 50% larger than the inlet fitting, directing the suction flow against an inner wall of the dirt container to promote layered entry of dirt particles without turbulence, thereby optimizing dirt collection and reducing operational issues.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If the inlet nozzle is directed straight into the dirt container, then the dirt collection capacity is improved, but turbulence and mixing of already vacuumed dirt particles occur leading to premature shutdown and reduced filter life

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedirt collection capacityVSAvoidoperational continuity and filter lifespan
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The inlet nozzle is segmented into two distinct functional zones: a diffuser section for turbulence-free flow expansion and a directed section for particle introduction. This segmentation allows the suction flow to first expand horizontally without turbulence, then redirect against the container wall, achieving both complete dirt intake and gentle particle deposition

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The diffuser acts as an intermediary element between the inlet fitting and the dirt container. It mediates the transition of suction flow by expanding it horizontally and directing it against the container wall, preventing direct turbulent injection while maintaining effective dirt collection

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Stability of the object's composition

If the diffuser opening cross-sectional area is significantly larger than the inlet fitting area, then turbulence is reduced and layered dirt particle introduction is promoted, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflow stability and particle deposition patternVSAvoidinlet nozzle design complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The inlet nozzle is merged with the dirt container as an integrated component. The diffuser is formed as a continuous piece that combines the expansion chamber and the wall-directed flow path, eliminating the need for separate turbulent flow control devices while achieving stable layered particle introduction

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 the operating behavior of the vacuum cleaner by preventing premature shutdown and extending filter life by ensuring a smooth, turbulence-free entry of dirt particles into the container, improving overall dirt collection efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

The inlet nozzle is designed as a horizontally discharging diffuser, wherein the inlet nozzle has a diffuser opening, where a cross-sectional area Q1 of the diffuser opening is at least 50 percent larger than a cross-sectional area Q2 of the inlet fitting

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDiffuser:

Implementation Method 2

The rebound of the suction flow from the inner wall slows down the intake air and the dirt particles, further improving the transfer of dirt particles into the dirt container

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure gradient: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentEP3768138B1Wet and/or dry vacuum cleaning unit
Publication Date: 2024.07.31 HILTI AG
  • EP3768138B1 patent drawingFigure 1

AI summary

The invention relates to a wet and dry vacuum cleaner having a suction head, a dirt container and an inlet fitting which is designed to connect a suction hose, wherein the inlet fitting is fluidically connected to an inlet connection of the wet and dry vacuum cleaner arranged in the wet and dry vacuum cleaner such that suctioned dirt particles can pass into the dirt container via the inlet connection, wherein the inlet connection is designed as a horizontally outflowing diffuser.