Vacuum Cleaner Filter Valve for Quasi-Continuous Self-Cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vacuum cleaners face inefficiencies in filter cleaning, as the process disrupts suction operation and requires complete pressure equalization, leading to incomplete cleaning and potential clogging.
Innovation Solution
The vacuum cleaner employs an electromagnet with a coil and an energy-absorbing electrical component in parallel, allowing for rapid opening and closing of the closing valve to introduce external air countercurrently through the filter, maintaining negative pressure during cleaning and ensuring effective filter cleaning within a fraction of a second.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the closing valve is opened to clean the filter with external air, then the filter cleaning effectiveness is improved, but the suction operation is disrupted and pressure equalization occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The closing valve is opened periodically for brief intervals (e.g., 0.1-0.5 seconds) at predetermined time intervals during suction operation. This periodic opening allows external air to flush the filter briefly, while the majority of time the valve remains closed to maintain continuous suction operation, thus resolving the contradiction between cleaning effectiveness and operational continuity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs filter cleaning actions in advance or during idle moments between suction cycles. By preparing and executing cleaning operations before they significantly disrupt suction, or during natural pauses in operation, the system maintains both cleaning effectiveness and minimal interruption to productivity.
2Reliability
If the closing valve is opened for an extended period to clean the filter, then the filter cleaning thoroughness is improved, but the pressure equalization becomes complete and suction efficiency is lost
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of opening the closing valve for an extended continuous period, the system uses multiple brief periodic openings. Each opening lasts only long enough to provide effective cleaning (e.g., 0.1-0.5 seconds), after which the valve closes to restore negative pressure. This can be repeated several times to achieve thorough cleaning without complete pressure equalization, maintaining suction efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies partial cleaning actions repeatedly rather than one excessive long-duration opening. Each brief opening provides sufficient cleaning effect for that moment, and multiple such actions accumulate to achieve thorough cleaning without the need for extended valve opening that would completely equalize pressure and eliminate suction efficiency.
3Reliability
If a magnetic holder with magnetic holding force is used to keep the closing valve closed, then the valve sealing reliability is improved, but the valve cannot be opened quickly for filter cleaning
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic holding system is replaced or supplemented with an electromagnetic actuator that can quickly override the magnetic holder's holding force. By applying an electromagnetic field through a coil, the system generates sufficient force to rapidly pull the valve body away from the valve seat, overcoming the magnetic attraction in fractions of a second. This allows the valve to transition from a magnetically sealed closed state to an open state quickly, enabling brief filter cleaning cycles without compromising sealing reliability during normal operation.
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 design enables quasi-continuous suction operation during filter cleaning, ensuring effective filter cleaning without complete pressure equalization, maintaining suction efficiency and extending filter lifespan.
Implementation Method 1
a magnetic holder with a magnetic holding force
Implementation Method 2
the valve body is acted upon by a closing spring with a closing force in the direction of its closed position
Implementation Method 3
an electromagnet with a magnet core and a coil to which current can be applied
Implementation Method 4
the valve body is subject to a pressure difference, since the pressure of the external air, usually atmospheric pressure, prevails on its side facing away from the filter, whereas the negative pressure of the suction line is present on its side facing the filter
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a vacuum cleaner with a dirt collection container that has a suction inlet and that is connected to at least one suction line with at least one suction unit in confluence, and with at least one external air inlet that discharges downstream of the at least one filter into the suction line. The at least one external air inlet can be closed with at least one closing valve that has a valve body that can be toggled between a closed position and an open position. A closing spring exerts a constant closing force on the valve body, and a magnetic holder exerts a magnetic force on the valve body in the closed position. In order to improve the vacuum cleaner to enable an especially effective cleaning of the at least one filter, the magnet holder according to the invention contains an electromagnet with a magnetic core and a solenoid coil that can be supplied with voltage for closing the closing valve. At least one electrical component that receives at least a part of the voltage stored in the solenoid coil is switched parallel to the solenoid coil when the voltage supply to the solenoid coil is discontinued.