Wet Vacuum Float Valve Housing for Liquid Re-Entrapment Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wet type suction cleaners face challenges in effectively separating liquid from air flow, leading to re-entrainment of liquid into the fan when the tank is not full, and the use of additional components like bends can be prone to blockages from solid items.
Innovation Solution
A float valve assembly with an impingement surface and a deflecting means, such as a C-shaped wall formation, directs the suction-induced air flow to separate liquid from the air stream, preventing re-entrainment and integrating the deflecting means with the float valve housing to prevent blockages.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a bend or elbow is incorporated in the suction hose connection to separate liquid from air flow, then liquid separation is improved, but device complexity increases and vulnerability to blockage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The deflecting means is integrated into the float valve housing structure, merging the liquid separation function with the existing float valve assembly. This eliminates the need for separate bend components while achieving effective liquid separation through the deflecting surface that redirects liquid away from the outlet passage.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing is divided into functional zones: an impingement surface for liquid deposition, a deflecting means with downwardly extending parts for liquid redirection, and an opening positioned to receive air flow. This segmentation allows each zone to perform its specific function efficiently without requiring complex external components.
2Productivity
If high speed air flow is used to effectively suck up liquids, then productivity is improved, but liquid re-entrainment increases
Solution Approach 1:
The impingement surface is positioned to intercept liquid particles before they can be re-entrained by the high speed air flow. The deflecting means is arranged to redirect liquid away from the outlet passage in advance, preventing re-entrainment while allowing the high speed air flow to continue for effective liquid suction.
Solution Approach 2:
The deflecting means acts as an intermediary element between the high speed air flow and the outlet passage. It intercepts liquid particles carried by the air flow and redirects them into the tank, mediating the interaction between the high speed flow and the liquid particles to prevent re-entrainment.
3Reliability
If additional components are added to separate liquid from air flow, then liquid separation is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to blockage risk
Solution Approach 1:
The deflecting means is integrated into the float valve housing, merging the liquid separation function with an existing component that is already part of the normal operation path. This eliminates additional separate components that could be blocked by solid items, while still achieving effective liquid separation through the deflecting surface.
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 solution effectively separates liquid from the air flow, reducing re-entrainment and minimizing the risk of blockages, enhancing the efficiency of liquid collection within the tank while maintaining the cleaner's operational reliability.
Implementation Method 1
a float valve comprises a housing extending downwardly into the tank from the outlet passage therefrom, containing a buoyant element which, as the tank fills, floats upwards within the housing until it reaches the outlet passage and blocks it
Implementation Method 2
an impingement surface on the housing exterior, facing in a first direction, an opening in the housing exterior, leading to the outlet port, the opening facing in a direction generally opposite to that faced by the impingement surface
Implementation Method 3
a deflecting means for deflecting matter from the impingement surface away from the opening in the housing, wherein the deflecting means comprises a wall formation extending outwardly from the housing exterior and disposed between the opening and the impingement surface
Implementation Method 4
An electric motor and fan are arranged to draw air out of the tank and lower the pressure therein, so that air and entrained liquid or other matter can be drawn into the tank through the hose
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A wet type suction cleaner comprising a tank (10) having an inlet (22) for suction-induced air flow and an outlet leading to a fan for creating the suction: and a float valve assembly (30) including a housing (32) and a float member movable relative to the housing (32) to cause closure of the outlet; wherein the inlet (22) directs the suction air flow to impinge on a part (40) of the housing (32), and the housing (32) has an opening (54) leading to the outlet which opening (54) is at a part of the housing (32) facing away from the inlet (22), the housing (32) further comprising deflecting means (42) for deflecting impinged matter away from the opening (54).