Vacuum Cleaner Nozzle Whirl Chamber for Fast Sterilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vacuum cleaners with sterilization functions require slow nozzle movement to ensure sufficient ultraviolet radiation, increasing cleaning time and user inconvenience due to the limited duration of ultraviolet exposure on the surface.
Innovation Solution
A suction nozzle with a sterilization chamber that uses tangentially directed guide channels to create a whirling air current, allowing prolonged exposure to sterilization units such as ultraviolet lamps, heaters, or ozonizers, and a drum brush with antimicrobial-coated fur for enhanced surface cleaning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the suction nozzle is moved quickly relative to the surface, then cleaning speed increases, but ultraviolet radiation exposure time decreases resulting in poor sterilization
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the sterilization function into two separate paths: (1) direct surface sterilization by ultraviolet lamp for slow-moving nozzle operation, and (2) air stream sterilization through the sterilization chamber for fast-moving nozzle operation. This segmentation allows both cleaning speeds to achieve satisfactory sterilization results.
Solution Approach 2:
The sterilization chamber acts as an intermediary device that captures airborne germs and mites from the suction flow and exposes them to ultraviolet radiation. This mediator enables effective sterilization even when the nozzle moves quickly, as the air stream is detained in the chamber for sufficient exposure time.
2Reliability
If the suction nozzle is moved slowly to ensure sufficient ultraviolet radiation, then sterilization effect improves, but cleaning time increases causing user inconvenience
Solution Approach 1:
The sterilization function is segmented into two operational modes: surface sterilization for slow movement and air stream sterilization for fast movement. This allows users to maintain higher cleaning speeds while still achieving effective sterilization through the dual-path approach.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the sterilization parameter from direct surface contact (requiring slow movement) to air stream treatment in a controlled chamber environment. This parameter change allows the sterilization process to occur at higher speeds while maintaining effectiveness.
3Reliability
If a sterilization chamber with tangential guide channels is added, then air stream sterilization effectiveness improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sterilization chamber is merged with the existing suction nozzle structure, utilizing the suction flow itself to drive air through the sterilization chamber. This integration avoids adding separate power sources or complex control systems, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining sterilization effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The suction nozzle is designed to perform multiple functions: cleaning (suction), surface sterilization (ultraviolet lamp), and air stream sterilization (sterilization chamber). This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated devices, offsetting the increased complexity by consolidating functions into a single universal tool.
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 design ensures effective sterilization with reduced cleaning time by maintaining air flow and sterilization unit exposure for a longer duration, improving user convenience and sterilization efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a first suction nozzle sterilization unit disposed in the sterilization chamber to sterilize the air drawn into the sterilization chamber
Implementation Method 2
The air drawn into the sterilization chamber revolves while moving from the at least one inlet to the at least one outlet
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A suction nozzle for use in a vacuum cleaner includes a suction opening through which air is drawn in from a surface to be cleaned, a sterilization chamber having at least one inlet and at least one outlet, the sterilization chamber being in fluid communication with the suction opening through the at least one inlet, and a sterilization unit disposed in the sterilization chamber to sterilize the air drawn into the sterilization chamber. The air drawn into the sterilization chamber revolves while moving from the at least one inlet to the at least one outlet.