Filter cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vacuum cleaners require interruption of the vacuuming process to clean the filter, which is time-consuming and inefficient, especially when the filter becomes dirty and loses its filtering capability.
Innovation Solution
A filter device with reversible pressure surge elements that allow for continuous vacuuming by alternately moving between positions to clean the filter elements without interrupting the vacuuming process, using a control unit to regulate the cleaning process and valve operations to manage air pressure and flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the filter is cleaned by removing it from the vacuum cleaner, then the filter can be thoroughly cleaned, but the vacuuming process must be interrupted and time is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The filter cleaning function is segmented from the main vacuuming operation. The filter is divided into a removable cleaning chamber that can be accessed and cleaned independently while the main vacuuming continues uninterrupted through the turbine and other filters.
Solution Approach 2:
A removable chamber acts as an intermediary between the filter and the main vacuum cleaner body. This chamber can be detached for cleaning without affecting the continuous operation of the vacuum cleaner, serving as a buffer that isolates the cleaning operation from the main system.
2Reliability
If the filter is cleaned periodically by removing it, then dirt particles are removed from the filter, but the vacuuming process is interrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The vacuuming action continues uninterrupted while filter cleaning occurs. The system maintains continuous useful action by allowing the turbine and main filtration to operate while the removable chamber containing one filter is accessed and cleaned separately.
Solution Approach 2:
The filtration system is segmented into multiple independent filters, with at least one filter housed in a removable chamber. This segmentation allows one filter to be cleaned while others continue to perform filtration, maintaining system reliability and productivity simultaneously.
3Productivity
If the filter remains in place during vacuuming, then continuous vacuuming is possible, but the filter becomes dirty and loses filtering capability
Solution Approach 1:
The filter chamber is designed with dynamic accessibility - the chamber can be quickly removed and reattached during operation. This dynamic design allows the filter to remain in place during vacuuming for continuous operation, yet be easily accessible when cleaning is needed to maintain filtering capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter is pre-positioned in a removable chamber that is designed for quick access. This preliminary arrangement allows the user to rapidly remove and clean the filter when needed, minimizing interruption to the continuous vacuuming process while maintaining filtering capability.
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 continuous vacuuming while cleaning the filters, reducing downtime and improving efficiency by allowing the vacuum cleaner to operate uninterrupted during filter maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
a first pressure surge element, which divides the first chamber into a first and second space and is reversibly movable between a first and second position
Implementation Method 2
a turbine creates a vacuum inside the vacuum cleaner. This vacuum is then used via a hose connected to the vacuum to suck up dirt particles and transport them to a collection container
Implementation Method 3
the filter serves to clean the intake air and thus, in particular, to protect the turbine
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
Filter device for a vacuum cleaner, comprising a turbine device for generating at least a first and second main airflow through at least a section of the vacuum cleaner, and a control unit. The filter device includes a first chamber with a first filter element, a first outlet opening, a first inlet opening, and a first pressure surge element, which divides the first chamber into a first and second space and is reversibly movable between a first and second position; wherein the first main airflow can flow through the first filter element into the first space of the first chamber and can flow out again from the first outlet opening; a second chamber with a second filter element, a second outlet opening, a second inlet opening, and a second pressure surge element, which divides the second chamber into a first and second space and is reversibly movable between a first and second position.wherein the second main airflow can flow into the first chamber of the second chamber through the second filter element and flow out again from the second outlet opening, wherein the first outlet opening and the first filter element are positioned on the first chamber of the first chamber such that a negative pressure generated by the first main airflow moves the first pressure surge element into the first position, and the second outlet opening and the second filter element are positioned on the first chamber of the second chamber such that a negative pressure generated by the second main airflow moves the second pressure surge element into the first position, wherein the first inlet opening is positioned on the respective second chamber such that atmospheric pressure acting on the second chamber through the first inlet opening moves the first pressure surge element into the second position,wherein an impulse is transferred from the first pressure surge element to the first filter element for the sudden cleaning of the first filter element, and the first inlet opening is positioned on the second chamber such that atmospheric pressure acting on the second chamber through the first inlet opening moves the first pressure surge element into the second position, thereby transferring an impulse from the first pressure surge element to the first filter element for the sudden cleaning of the first filter element, and wherein the first pressure surge element and the second pressure surge element are alternately reversibly movable from the first to the second position for the alternating cleaning of the first and second filters.