Vortex Tube Separator Openings for Coarse Dirt Ejection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vacuum cleaners face issues with clogging of ejection openings due to large dirt particles and uneven filling of dust collection chambers, which affect the efficiency of dust separation and collection.

Innovation Solution

A vortex tube separator with a separation chamber and dust collection chamber connected by ejection openings of varying gap dimensions, where the larger gap allows for the ejection of coarse dirt and the smaller gap for fine dirt, preventing clogging and ensuring even filling of the dust collection chamber.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a single ejection opening with uniform gap dimension is used, then the structure is simple, but large dirt particles cause clogging and uneven filling of the dust collection chamber

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprevention of ejection opening cloggingVSAvoidejection opening structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The ejection opening is segmented into multiple regions with different gap dimensions. The first region has a first gap dimension suitable for fine dirt particles, while the second region has a second gap dimension (larger than the first) suitable for coarse dirt particles. This segmentation allows particles of different sizes to be ejected through appropriate openings, preventing clogging while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the ejection opening are given different local qualities in terms of gap dimension. The first region is optimized for fine particles with a smaller gap, while the second region is optimized for coarse particles with a larger gap. This local differentiation ensures that each region performs its specific function effectively, resolving the contradiction between reliability and structural simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Stability of the object's composition

If a single ejection opening is used, then the device is simple, but the dust collection chamber fills unevenly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveeven filling of dust collection chamberVSAvoidejection opening configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The ejection opening is divided into first and second regions with different gap dimensions. This segmentation enables fine dirt particles to be ejected through the first region and coarse dirt particles through the second region, resulting in more uniform distribution and filling of the dust collection chamber compared to a single uniform opening.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different local gap dimensions are provided at different regions of the ejection opening to achieve uniform filling. The first region with the first gap dimension handles fine particles, while the second region with the second gap dimension handles coarse particles, ensuring stable and even composition distribution in the dust collection chamber.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Manufacturing precision

If the gap dimension is small, then fine dirt separation is improved, but coarse dirt particles cannot be ejected

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefine dirt separation efficiencyVSAvoidejection of coarse dirt
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The ejection opening is segmented into a first region with a smaller gap dimension optimized for fine dirt separation and a second region with a larger gap dimension optimized for coarse dirt ejection. This segmentation allows the system to simultaneously achieve fine dirt separation precision and coarse dirt removal productivity without compromise.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different local gap dimensions are implemented: the first region has a smaller gap for precise fine dirt separation, while the second region has a larger gap for efficient coarse dirt ejection. This local quality differentiation resolves the contradiction between manufacturing precision for fine particles and productivity for coarse particles.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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

Prevents clogging of ejection openings by allowing large dirt particles to be ejected through a larger gap, ensuring efficient separation and even filling of the dust collection chamber, thereby improving the overall performance of the vacuum cleaner.

Implementation Method 1

vortex tube separator for a vacuum cleaner, the vortex tube separator comprising a separation chamber and a dust collection chamber

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCentrifugal force: Centrifugal Force

Implementation Method 2

a first ejection opening, the first ejection opening having an area with a first gap dimension... an area with a further gap dimension which is larger than the first gap dimension

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectParticle ejection through gap dimensions:

Data Source

PatentEP2842470B1Eddy tube separator with ejection opening for coarse dirt
Publication Date: 2018.10.10 BSH HAUSGERATE GMBH
  • EP2842470B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2842470B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

The invention relates to a vortex tube separator (1) for a vacuum cleaner, the vortex tube separator (1) comprising a separation chamber (2) and a dust collection chamber (3) which are connected to one another by a first ejection opening, the first ejection opening having a region with a first gap dimension (h1) has. According to the invention, the first ejection opening or one or more further ejection openings have an area with a further gap dimension (h2) which is larger than the first gap dimension (h1). The invention also relates to a vacuum cleaner which comprises a vortex tube separator (1) according to the invention. In particular, the invention makes it possible to provide an ejection window for coarse dirt, whereby clogging of the ejection openings is to be avoided and a more even filling of the dust collection space (3) is to be achieved. In addition, an improved vacuum cleaner is to be provided.