Vacuum Cleaner Filter Cleaning With Reconfigurable Cyclone Separators
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users may forget to clean or find the process cumbersome for cleaning clogged downstream filters in vacuum cleaners, as existing systems require switching filters and using additional filters for cleaning.
Innovation Solution
The vacuum cleaner employs two sub-separators connected in parallel during vacuum cleaning mode and in series during filter cleaning mode, allowing for effective cleaning of clogged filters without an auxiliary filter, with higher separation performance and reduced user effort, potentially automated.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If two downstream filters are used and switched places for cleaning, then filter cleaning is possible, but the process becomes cumbersome and users may forget to clean filters
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically switches between parallel and series configurations of the two sub-separators based on operational mode, eliminating the need for manual filter switching and cleaning operations by the user
Solution Approach 2:
The connection configuration between sub-separators dynamically changes from parallel to series based on whether the system is in vacuum cleaning mode or filter cleaning mode, enabling automatic adaptation to different operational requirements
2Productivity
If sub-separators are connected in parallel during vacuum cleaning, then dust separation efficiency is maintained, but flow resistance increases during filter cleaning mode
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically reconfigures the sub-separator connection from parallel to series based on operational mode, allowing optimal performance characteristics for each mode while managing flow resistance through configuration changes
3Reliability
If auxiliary filters are moved for cleaning, then filter cleaning is achieved, but device complexity and user effort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges the functions of multiple filters into a single integrated cleaning process where both sub-separators work together in series to clean one filter at a time, eliminating the need for physical filter movement and swapping operations
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically manages the filter cleaning process through automatic mode switching and configuration changes, eliminating manual intervention for filter maintenance operations
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 configuration simplifies and automates the filter cleaning process, reducing the need for frequent filter replacements and maintaining efficient dust separation, even with higher flow resistance during filter cleaning, ensuring regular filter cleanliness.
Implementation Method 1
a vacuum source for creating a negative air pressure
Implementation Method 2
Each sub-separator may comprise a cyclone separator
Implementation Method 3
Each sub-separator may comprise a cyclone separator
Implementation Method 4
the downstream filter is connected between the separating unit and the vacuum source to receive the air stream in a forward direction for filtering remaining dust therefrom
Implementation Method 5
the vacuum source is connected to the downstream filter to force an air stream therethrough in a reverse direction in order to remove dust from the downstream filter
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3a~3b
Figure 4a~4b
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a vacuum cleaner (1) comprising a separating unit (34), a vacuum source (31) for creating a negative air pressure, and a downstream filter (33). The vacuum cleaner is configured to operate in a vacuum cleaning mode, and is switchable to a filter cleaning mode, wherein the vacuum source is connected to the downstream filter to force an airstream therethrough in a reverse direction in order to remove dust from the downstream filter, and the separating unit is arranged to separate dust, released by the downstream filter, from the airstream. The separating unit has first and second sub-separators (35, 37), which are connected in parallel in the vacuum cleaning mode, and are connected in series in the filter cleaning mode. This provides convenient cleaning of the downstream filter.