Vacuum Filter Housing Tangential Orifice Vortex Hair Collection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for removing clipped hair in surgical settings are unsanitary, inefficient, and prone to contamination, as they often rely on adhesive tapes or cumbersome vacuum systems that require frequent cleaning and reuse.
Innovation Solution
A disposable hair clipper filter assembly with a unique tangential orifice design that creates a hair collecting vortex, allowing efficient accumulation of hair on a porous filter member, which can be easily removed and disposed of, reducing contamination risks and filter clogging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If adhesive tape is used to remove clipped hair, then hair removal is achieved, but contamination risk increases and efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the harmful adhesive material from the hair removal process and replaces it with a vacuum system that captures hair clippings through suction, eliminating the need for adhesive contact with the patient's skin and surrounding surfaces
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs a vacuum system using pneumatic principles to create negative pressure that draws hair clippings into a collection container, providing a sanitary and efficient alternative to mechanical adhesive tape application
2Productivity
If vacuum filtration is used to collect hair, then hair removal efficiency improves, but filter clogging occurs and requires frequent cleaning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic filtering system where the filter screen is designed to be easily removable and replaceable, allowing quick maintenance without disassembling the entire vacuum system. The filter can be rapidly swapped when clogged, minimizing downtime
Solution Approach 2:
The vacuum system is segmented into modular components including a removable filter screen, detachable collection container, and separable hose sections. This segmentation enables independent maintenance of the filter without affecting other system components
3Productivity
If filter bag is used in-line with vacuum flow, then hair collection is achieved, but device complexity increases and sanitation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs disposable collection containers that are discarded after a single use, eliminating the need for cleaning and sanitization of the collection system. This disposable approach simplifies the overall system while ensuring sanitary conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The collection container is pre-assembled with the filter screen in the correct configuration before use, eliminating the need for complex on-site assembly or adjustment during the hair removal procedure
4Ease of operation
If adhesive tape is used for hair removal, then hair clipping is completed, but operational efficiency decreases due to manual collection requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The vacuum system operates autonomously to collect and contain hair clippings during the clipping process, eliminating the need for manual tape application and subsequent hair gathering. The system self-manages hair collection throughout the procedure
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
The solution provides a sanitary, efficient, and cost-effective method for hair removal by minimizing contamination risks and extending filter life through efficient hair collection and easy disposal, reducing the need for frequent cleaning and reuse of components.
Implementation Method 1
The specific arrangement of components, including the tangential position of the orifice, creates a hair collecting vortex within the assembly when a vacuum source is attached and activated.
Implementation Method 2
when a vacuum source is attached and activated
Implementation Method 3
the filter is placed between the top piece and the bottom piece to collect the cut hair, yet the filter is porous enough to allow enough air to pass through to create a sufficient vacuum
Data Source
AI summary
In one aspect, the present disclosure provides a housing for a vacuum filter assembly. The housing may include a top piece with an upper portion defining a top wall of a cavity and a generally circular perimeter forming a side wall of the cavity. The perimeter of the top piece may be configured to receive a filter member. An input aperture may extend through the top piece and may be arranged for communication with the cavity. A spindle may extend into the cavity from the top wall of the cavity such that a material drawn into the cavity by a vacuum force moves in a spiral vortex through the cavity about the spindle.