Enhanced Cyclone Efficiency for Surface Cleaning Apparatus
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
An improved cyclone system for surface cleaning apparatus, offering enhanced air flow efficiency, reduced air flow resistance, and minimized dust accumulation.
Background and Problem Solved
The original patent relates to cyclones having improved efficiency for use in surface cleaning apparatus, such as vacuum cleaners. However, the existing design has limitations in terms of air flow efficiency and dust accumulation. The new inventive concept addresses these limitations by introducing novel design features that enhance cyclone performance.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The enhanced cyclone system comprises a cyclone chamber having an air inlet, a vortex finder, and a cyclone sidewall. The cyclone sidewall is tapered to reduce air flow resistance, and the vortex finder has a curved surface to enhance air flow efficiency. Additionally, the cyclone sidewall can be coated with a friction-reducing material to minimize air flow resistance. In another embodiment, the vortex finder has a spiral shape to enhance air flow efficiency and reduce dust accumulation. These design features work in concert to improve cyclone efficiency, resulting in better performance and reduced maintenance for surface cleaning apparatus.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The new claims introduce novel design features that enhance cyclone efficiency, including tapered cyclone sidewalls, curved or spiral vortex finder surfaces, and friction-reducing coatings. These features are not obvious in light of the original patent and provide a significant improvement in cyclone performance.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Other embodiments of the inventive concept could include adjusting the taper angle of the cyclone sidewall, modifying the curvature of the vortex finder surface, or using different friction-reducing materials. Additionally, the inventive concept could be applied to various types of surface cleaning apparatus, such as handheld vacuum cleaners or central vacuum systems.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The enhanced cyclone system has significant commercial potential in the surface cleaning industry, particularly for manufacturers of vacuum cleaners and other surface cleaning apparatus. The improved performance and reduced maintenance requirements of the inventive concept could lead to increased market share and customer satisfaction.
CPC Classifications
| Section | Class | Group |
|---|---|---|
| A | A47 | A47L9/1666 |
| A | A47 | A47L9/165 |
Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)
Field of Art
Surface cleaning apparatus design, specifically cyclone separation technologies for vacuum cleaners, requiring mechanical engineering expertise in fluid dynamics and apparatus design
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A mechanical engineer with expertise in vacuum cleaner design, fluid dynamics, and cyclonic separation technologies, familiar with CAD design and performance optimization techniques
Obviousness Rationale
A person of ordinary skill would recognize that the PTD's proposed cyclone modifications represent predictable design variations that enhance existing cyclone performance. The proposed changes such as tapered sidewalls and curved vortex finders are logical extensions of known cyclone optimization techniques. These modifications would be considered routine engineering improvements within the capabilities of a skilled practitioner in surface cleaning apparatus design.
Obvious Combinations & Variations
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,140 |
|---|---|
| Title | Cyclone such as for use in a surface cleaning apparatus |
| Assignee(s) | Omachron Intellectual Property Inc. |