Vacuum cleaner system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Upright vacuum cleaners lack a versatile and efficient dirt separation system that allows for easy interchangeability between bagged and bagless filter modules, with existing systems often having non-tangential air inlets and limited visibility during operation.
Innovation Solution
A vacuum cleaner system with a housing defining a chamber featuring a tangential air inlet and outlet, allowing for the remounting of either a bagged or bagless filter module, which includes a helical inlet guide and a filter bag assembly for effective dirt separation, enabling easy conversion between module types and providing visibility during operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a vacuum cleaner uses a fixed dirt separation system (either bagged or bagless), then the structure is simple and reliable, but the adaptability and versatility are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The dirt separation system is designed with a universal chamber that can accommodate both bagged and bagless filter modules through standardized mounting interfaces. The tangential air inlet and outlet configurations are positioned to work effectively with either module type, allowing the same housing to serve multiple functions and providing users with flexible cleaning options.
2Productivity
If a vacuum cleaner uses traditional non-tangential air inlet design, then the manufacturing is simpler, but the dirt separation efficiency and air flow performance are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The air inlet is designed with a tangential configuration that creates a curved flow path into the cyclone separator. This curved entry geometry exploits centrifugal forces more effectively to separate dirt from air, improving separation efficiency while the overall housing structure remains relatively simple to manufacture.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a vacuum cleaner uses interchangeable filter modules, then the adaptability and cleaning options are improved, but the ease of operation and installation time are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The filter modules are designed as separate, self-contained units that can be independently installed or removed from the housing. The modular design with standardized interfaces allows users to easily swap between bagged and bagless configurations without complex assembly steps, improving ease of operation while maintaining versatility.
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
Enables efficient dirt separation with interchangeable filter modules, improving cleaning options and user experience by allowing seamless transitions between bagged and bagless configurations while maintaining effective air flow and dirt collection.
Implementation Method 1
Some cyclone separators use one or more frusto-conical-shaped separator(s) and others use high-speed rotational motion of the air/dirt to separate the dirt by centrifugal force
Implementation Method 2
filter bag separators. Typically, working air is either forced through or drawn through an air permeable filter bag leaving the debris entrained in the working air path inside the filter bag
Data Source
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AI summary
A vacuum cleaner system comprises a vacuum cleaner (10) having a dirt separating and collecting system (26). The dirt separating and collecting system (26) can include a filter module (36, 38) having a filter bag (60). Optionally, the filter bag filter module (36, 38) can be interchanged with a bagless filter module (200, 210).