Cyclone Vacuum Exhaust Grill with Debris-Catching Tines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vacuum cleaners face issues with elongated debris, such as hair, wrapping around and blocking the exhaust grill openings in cyclone separation modules, leading to performance hindrance and maintenance challenges.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a plurality of debris catching tines within the separation module that extend below the exhaust grill, preventing elongated debris from wrapping around and blocking the grill openings, and providing a tine stripper mechanism for easy debris removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the exhaust grill has openings for air passage, then airflow efficiency is improved, but elongated debris wraps around and blocks the openings
Solution Approach 1:
Debris catching tines are introduced as an intermediary element between the exhaust grill openings and the elongated debris. The tines extend into the separation module and intercept hair and other elongated contaminants before they can wrap around and block the grill openings, while maintaining unrestricted airflow through the grill.
2Reliability
If the exhaust grill openings are larger, then debris blocking is reduced, but airflow efficiency may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The debris catching tines serve as a protective intermediary that allows the exhaust grill to maintain its optimal opening size for airflow efficiency without fear of blockage. The tines intercept elongated debris in the airflow path before it reaches the grill, enabling the grill to be designed with the ideal opening dimensions for maximum airflow.
3Ease of manufacture
If manual cleaning of the exhaust grill is required, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but maintenance time and effort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The debris catching tines are designed to be self-cleaning through the existing airflow and debris collection mechanisms of the vacuum cleaner. As debris is naturally drawn into the separation module, it accumulates on the tines and is subsequently removed when the collection container is emptied, eliminating the need for manual cleaning of the tines and reducing maintenance time.
4Reliability
If debris catching tines are added to prevent blockage, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The debris catching tines are implemented as simple, discrete elements that can be easily integrated into the existing separation module structure. Each tine is an independent component that performs a specific function of intercepting elongated debris, allowing for simple manufacturing and assembly without significantly increasing overall device complexity.
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
Effectively prevents elongated debris from clogging the exhaust grill, ensuring uninterrupted airflow and simplifies maintenance by allowing for easy collection and disposal of debris without manual intervention.
Implementation Method 1
Some collection systems can include a cyclone separator for separating contaminants from a working airstream
Implementation Method 2
Other types of collection systems can include an integrally-formed cyclone separator and dirt cup, with the dirt cup being provided with a bottom-opening dirt door for contaminant disposal. Other types of collection systems such as centrifugal separators or bulk separators use high-speed rotational motion of the air/debris to separate the dirt by centrifugal force.
Implementation Method 3
a suction source fluidly connected to the suction nozzle creating a working airstream through the housing
Data Source
AI summary
A vacuum cleaner with a separation module includes an exhaust grill having openings through which air may pass, wherein the exhaust grill is positioned fluidly between a separator chamber and an air outlet. A plurality of debris catching tines prevent debris from wrapping around and blocking the openings of the exhaust grill.