Vacuum Separation Unit with Scraper Element for Filter Cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing suction devices, particularly handheld vacuum cleaners, face challenges in conveniently and thoroughly cleaning and emptying the separation unit, as hair often gets wrapped around the filter module, making the process uncomfortable and unhygienic.
Innovation Solution
A separation unit with a cylindrical collection container and a filter module, featuring a scraper element that moves along the longitudinal axis to clean the filter surface, and a coupling mechanism for easy actuation, allowing for thorough cleaning and convenient emptying.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the collection area is designed as a ring around the filter module with cyclone-like flow, then particle separation efficiency is improved, but hair becomes wrapped around the filter module and is difficult to remove
Solution Approach 1:
The scraper element is divided into multiple scraping edges arranged at different angular positions around the filter module. This segmentation allows simultaneous cleaning of multiple locations on the filter surface, effectively removing wrapped hair while maintaining the cyclone separation function.
Solution Approach 2:
The scraper element is positioned to contact the filter module surface during normal operation or before emptying, preliminarily removing hair and debris that would otherwise wrap around the filter. This preliminary cleaning action prevents the harmful effect of hair accumulation.
2Ease of operation
If the filter module surface is extensively cleaned, then cleaning thoroughness is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The scraper element is integrated with the lid assembly, combining the cleaning function with the existing emptying mechanism. The scraper is driven by the lid's rotational movement, merging two functions (emptying and cleaning) into a single operational sequence without adding independent complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The scraper element serves multiple functions: it cleans the filter module surface, removes wrapped hair, and prepares the collection area for emptying. This multi-functionality achieves thorough cleaning without requiring separate dedicated cleaning mechanisms.
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 convenient and hygienic cleaning of the separation unit by effectively removing dirt and hair from the filter module, enhancing user comfort and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a cyclone-like suction air flow is created in the collection area
Implementation Method 2
Within the collection area of the collection container, the suction air flow can have a cyclone-like flow pattern around the (central) longitudinal axis
Implementation Method 3
The separation unit further comprises a filter module arranged in the collection container, which is designed to filter particles from the suction air flow
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 1c~2a
Figure 2b
AI summary
A separation unit (150) for a suction device (100) is described, wherein the separation unit (150) comprises a collecting container (102) with a collecting area (103) for receiving dirt particles from the suction air flow (121, 122, 123) of the suction device (100), and wherein the collecting container (102) extends along a longitudinal axis (201) from a first end face, which faces the fan (107) of the suction device (100) during operation of the suction device (100), to a second end face on which the lid (104) of the collecting container (102) is arranged.The separation unit (150) further comprises a filter module (105) arranged in the collection container (102), which is designed to filter out dirt particles from the suction air flow (121, 122, 123), wherein the collection region (103) adjoins the surface of the filter module (105), and wherein the filter module (105) is designed to be removed from the collection container (102) at the first end face of the collection container (102) or inserted into the collection container (102). The separation unit (150) further comprises a stripping element (106) designed to slide over the surface of the filter module (105) when the filter module (105) is removed from the collection container (102) at the first end face of the collection container (102).