Vacuum Cleaner Filter With Separable Layers for Easy Cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vacuum cleaner filters are not user-friendly for cleaning, as they tend to clog easily and require labor-intensive processes, leading to decreased performance and potential failure due to neglected maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A filter design with detachable filtration layers that can be easily separated for cleaning and drying, featuring a frame with a resilient material and asymmetrical shape for efficient airflow and easy handling, allowing for efficient dust distribution across multiple layers and reduced clogging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the filter uses multiple fixedly attached filtration layers to improve dust collection, then filtering effectiveness is improved, but cleaning complexity increases and user friendliness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The filter is divided into multiple separable filtration layers that can be easily detached from each other. Each layer can be independently removed and cleaned, transforming a complex cleaning task into simple individual layer maintenance. This segmentation allows users to clean each layer separately without having to dismantle the entire filter structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The filtration layers are designed to be extractable from the filter housing and from each other. The layers can be easily pulled out and separated, allowing direct access to all filtering surfaces for cleaning. This extraction capability enables users to remove and clean each layer independently, significantly improving ease of maintenance.
2Reliability
If the filter uses a fine mesh to improve dust particle removal, then filtering effectiveness is improved, but airflow restriction increases and productivity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The filter system is segmented into multiple layers with progressively finer mesh sizes. The first layer has a coarser mesh for large particles, while subsequent layers have progressively finer meshes for smaller particles. This segmentation allows each layer to operate at optimal mesh density without overwhelming a single layer, maintaining airflow while achieving high filtration effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using one extremely fine mesh that would restrict airflow, the system uses multiple layers with progressively finer meshes. Each layer performs partial filtration, and the cumulative effect achieves high dust particle removal while maintaining adequate airflow through the distributed resistance of multiple coarser layers.
3Reliability
If the filter layers are fixedly attached to ensure structural integrity, then reliability is improved, but cleaning time increases and ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The filter structure is segmented into modular components - the housing and the filtration layers. The layers are attached to the housing in a way that maintains structural integrity during operation but allows easy separation for cleaning. This segmentation enables quick removal and reattachment of layers, minimizing cleaning time while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment mechanism between filtration layers and housing is designed to be dynamic - secure during vacuuming operation but easily detachable during cleaning. The layers can be quickly removed and reattached without tools or complex procedures, reducing cleaning time while ensuring proper attachment during use.
4Reliability
If the filter requires complete drying before reinsertion to prevent damage, then reliability is improved, but usability deteriorates as cleaning cannot be done directly prior to vacuuming
Solution Approach 1:
The filter is segmented into multiple thin, separable layers that dry much faster than a single thick filter assembly. When separated, each layer exposes maximum surface area to air circulation, enabling rapid drying. This segmentation allows users to clean and quickly dry layers between uses, providing timing flexibility while maintaining reliability through proper drying.
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
Facilitates easier cleaning and drying of the filter, extending its usage time and improving user friendliness by allowing for efficient dust collection and airflow while preventing clogging, thus maintaining the vacuum cleaner's performance.
Implementation Method 1
The filtration layers are arranged such that a main surface of the filtration layers are facing each other. The filtration layers are attached to the frame along a first section of a peripheral edge of each filtration layer.
Implementation Method 2
The frame may comprise a resilient material, such as e.g. TPE, TPU or rubber.
Data Source
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AI summary
Embodiments herein relate to a filter (1) for a vacuum cleaner. The filter (1) comprises a frame (40) and a plurality of filtration layers (10, 20, 30) arranged such that a main surface (11, 21, 31; 11a, 11b, 21a, 21b, 31a, 31b) of the filtration layers (10, 20, 30) are facing each other. The filtration layers (10, 20, 30) are attached to the frame (40) along a first section of a peripheral edge of each filtration layer (10, 20, 30), and wherein the filtration layers (10, 20, 30) comprise a second free section of the peripheral edge which is unattached to the frame (40), such that the plurality of filtration layers (10, 20, 30) are held together at the first section of the peripheral edge and can be separated from each other along the second free section of the peripheral edge.