Patent Application
20200345188
Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to a venturi-type suction device and methods of making and using the same. Moreover, embodiments of the present invention relate to an adapted pressurized canister, such as an air canister, and converting the same into a vacuum for use in cleaning delicate and electronic components.
Recently, vacuum cleaning devices have yielded to a less effective means of cleaning, especially for consumer electronic devices, in the form of aerosol canisters which discharge dry blasts of gasses to blow away dust and debris. The preference for the aerosol canister cleaning devices is primarily attributable to their hand-held portability rather than any superior cleaning function.
Dust and other small particles have become a serious problem for consumer electronics as well as scientific apparatus of all types. With the large scale introduction of computers and other electronic devices into homes and other locations where climatic and other environmental circumstances are not carefully controlled, dust and particulate trash are constantly being deposited on critical mechanical and electronic components of these complex and expensive devices. The accumulation of unwanted dust and trash can cause short circuits to electronic components and can jam mechanical functions causing permanent damage or other serious problems. The need has arisen for compact, self-contained, readily accessible means for periodically cleaning the particles and other debris from these devices to prevent the damaging and potentially dangerous effects of its accumulation.
Simple wiping or brushing can damage delicate parts, and can cause static electricity discharges, which can permanently damage electronic components. The aerosol containers of compressed gasses recently mass marketed with success in the consumer market, are touted as an effective means of cleaning electronic devices using short, highly-directed blasts of gas intended to blow debris off of delicate components. Various combinations of gasses, with various forms of nozzles and blast-directing devices, have been widely accepted in the consumer market due to their convenience, portability, low cost, and long shelf life. However, the use of blasts of compressed gas as a cleaning method is flawed in concept not only because it fails to remove the unwanted debris from the work environment, but also because it can cause dust and debris to roll or “snowball” into more damaging accumulations and can even force the unwanted debris deeper into components where it might become less retrievable and cause greater damage. If a device were available which was just as portable and convenient, with similar shelf-life and of roughly the same cost, but which physically lifted or removed the unwanted debris from the work environment, then such device should meet with wide acceptance and commercial success.
Accordingly, there is a need for a venturi-type suction device and methods of making and using the same, as described herein.
A first aspect of the present invention is to provide for a spray and suction system comprising a housing including compressed fluid therein, a valve for releasing the compressed fluid within the housing, a trigger for actuating the valve, a passageway fluidly connected to the housing such that the compressed fluid within the passageway enters the passageway when the trigger actuates the valve, with the passageway including a first and a second end, a collection housing located at the first end of the passageway, and a switch interacting with the passageway, with the switch having a first position and a second position. When the switch is in the first position, the compressed fluid within the housing is forced out of the second end of the passageway to provide for spraying of the compressed fluid. When the switch is in the second position, the compressed fluid within the housing is forced toward the first end of the passageway to provide for suction within the passageway to force air into the second end of the passageway toward the first end of the passageway and into the collection housing.
Another aspect of the present invention is to provide for a method of using a spray and suction system. The method comprises providing compressed fluid within a housing, releasing the compressed fluid within the housing by actuating a trigger to force the compressed fluid to enter a passageway, moving a switch to a first position to force the compressed fluid within the housing out of a second end of a passageway to spray the compressed fluid; and moving a switch to a second position to force the compressed fluid toward a first end of the passageway to provide for suction within the passageway to force air into the second end of the passageway toward the first end of the passageway and into a collection housing located at the first end of the passageway.
So the manner in which the above recited features of the present disclosure can be understood in detail, a more particular description of embodiments of the present disclosure, briefly summarized above, may be had by reference to embodiments, which are illustrated in the appended drawings. It is to be noted, however, the appended drawings illustrate only typical embodiments of embodiments encompassed within the scope of the present disclosure, and, therefore, are not to be considered limiting, for the present disclosure may admit to other equally effective embodiments.
The headings used herein are for organizational purposes only and are not meant to be used to limit the scope of the description or the claims. As used throughout this application, the word “may” is used in a permissive sense (i.e., meaning having the potential to), rather than the mandatory sense (i.e., meaning must). Similarly, the words “include”, “including”, and “includes” mean including but not limited to. To facilitate understanding, like reference numerals have been used, where possible, to designate like elements common to the figures.
Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to a venturi-type suction device and methods of making and using the same. Moreover, embodiments of the present invention relate to an adapted pressurized canister, such as an air canister, and converting the same into a vacuum for use in cleaning delicate and electronic components.
A fluid (not shown) is generally contained within the interior cavity 106. The fluid may be any type of pressurizable fluid, for example, a liquid or gas, capable of being stored safely in a pressurized condition. For example, in particular embodiments, the fluid is one of difluoroethane, trifluoroethane, tetrafluoroethane, butane, or the like. Any other type of suitable hydrocarbon or fluorocarbon may be utilized as well. In other embodiments, compressed atmospheric gases (i.e., pressurized air) may be utilized as well.
The pressurized container 102 may generally be pressurized to a sufficient pressure level to preserve the fluid therein in a liquid state. For example, the pressurized container 102 may be pressurized from between about 1 bar to about 10 bars of pressure. In one particular embodiment, the pressurized container 102 sustains an internal pressure of about 6 to 8 bars. In such embodiment, where difluoroethane is the fluid contained therein, the state of the difluoroethane would be substantially liquid while inside the pressurized container at standard room temperature.
In alternative embodiments, off the shelf containers having the compressed fluid therein, also known as gas dusters, may be suitable for the pressurized container 102. In such embodiments, novel and non-obvious modifications must be made to the gas duster containers to enable the device to possess the structure and functions disclosed herein.
The pressurized container walls 104 may be made from any material suitable to perform the necessary functions disclosed herein. In many embodiments, the walls 104 are made from a metal or metal alloy, having a sufficient thickness to sustain the necessary pressure within the pressurized container 102. Alternative materials, such as durable polymers may also be used for the walls 104 provided they can sustain the necessary pressure and do not react with the fluid disposed therein.
The release valve 110 is disposed on the pressurized container 102 to enable the pressurized fluid from escaping from the pressurized container 102. The release valve 110 may be any type of known valve mechanism commonly used in the aerosol can industry. For example, in one embodiment, the release valve 110 is structured as disclosed by United States Patent No. 3722750, for construction of a general aerosol can, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference in its entirety. In general, many embodiments provide that the release valve 110 comprise a spring-loaded member with sealable orifices thereon, such that engagement of the release valve 110 causes an orifice to be exposed to the pressurized contents (i.e., fluid) of the pressurized container 102, and provide an opening for the pressurized contents to escape the pressurized container 102 while the release valve 110 remains engaged. The engagement of the release valve 110 may be either through vertical force pressing down on it, or lateral force pressing against it. For example, a lateral force may be initiated by the trigger apparatus 116 described below.
The release valve 110 is generally in communication with the vacuum tube 112. The vacuum tube 112 may be any type of material or construct such that it is capable of creating a sealed connection with the release valve 110 to maintain a constant pressure within the vacuum tube 112 while in operation. In one embodiment, the vacuum tube 112 comprises a rigid, cylindrical polymer tube having a connection with the release valve 110 along the body thereof. One end 118 of the vacuum tube 112 is the suction end, which is used for vacuuming up debris as contemplated by embodiments of the present invention. The other end 120 of the vacuum tube 112 is connected to or includes the collection receptacle 114 for receiving dispelled fluid from the pressurized container 102, and for receiving the vacuumed debris collected by the vacuum tube 112.
The vacuum tube 112 generally provides a structural means for directing the fluid dispelled from the pressurized container 102 through the release valve 110 towards the end of the vacuum tube 112 connected to the collection receptacle 114. Such structural means may comprise a tube within the vacuum tube or a channel within the vacuum tube for directing such dispensed fluid. In some embodiments, the structural means may comprise a nozzle 122 adjacent the release valve 110, directing the fluid from the pressurized container 102 (i.e., effectively spraying the pressurized fluid into the vacuum tube 112) towards the collection receptacle 114.
The reference numeral 200 (
In the illustrated example, the spray and suction device 200 includes a trigger housing 204 connected to the pressurized container 102a for selectively releasing the pressurized fluid from the pressurized container 102a. The trigger housing 204 can be fixed to the pressurized container 102a or can be snap fit onto the pressurized container as is well known to those skilled in the art. The trigger housing 204 includes a trigger 206 that is configured to slide the release valve 110a laterally or that pivots about a point 208 to depress the release valve 110a to release the pressurized fluid from the pressurized container 102a. The trigger housing 204 also includes a toggle switch 210 that allows for the spray and suction device 200 to toggle between a sprayer and a vacuum.
The illustrated spray and suction device 200 includes a vacuum setting for allowing for vacuuming of particles through passageway system 212. The passageway system 212 includes a first passage 214 that has a first end 118a configured to suction up the particles. The first passage 214 is fluidly connected to a venturi passage 216 coming from the trigger housing 204. Air passing through the venturi passage 216 from the trigger housing 204 provides a venturi effect to the first passage 214 to provide for suction from the first end 118a of the first passage 214. Both the first passage 214 and the venturi passage 216 meet at a venturi area 218 to form a suction passage 220 that ends in the collection receptacle (not shown in
In the illustrated example, the toggle switch 210 has a vacuum position for proving for suction as shown in
The illustrated toggle switch 210 has a spray position for blowing the pressurized fluid out of the passageway system 212. The passageway system 212 includes a blower passage 234 that connects with the pressurized fluid when the toggle switch 210 is depressed against the bias of the spring 224 to move the first hole 230 out of alignment with the source of pressurized fluid and move a second hole 236 into alignment with the source of pressurized fluid to thereby blow the pressurized fluid out of the blower passage 234. It is contemplated that the toggle switch 210 may be integrally formed with the trigger housing 204, as shown in
It is contemplated that a suction end of the first passage 214 may further comprise a brush tip or shaped tip to enable for better suction of debris. Alternative embodiments may provide for any type of attachment for enabling the spray and suction device 200 to function better on a particular surface. For example, any common type of vacuum attachment, often provided with standard home vacuum cleaners, may be designed to fit with the first passage 214.
It is further contemplated that the design of the passageway system 212 may vary greatly depending on the intended application of the particular embodiment of the present invention. Using known ASME standards for flow meters and other venturi-type devices, the geometry of the openings of the passageway system 212 can be designed to produce the greatest pressure drop at the suction end of the passageway system 212.
The collection receptacle may comprise any type of containment structure suitable for embodiments of the present invention. Generally, the collection receptacle need only be able to accommodate the dispelled fluid, which is usually in a gaseous state, and the vacuumed debris (e.g., dust, dirt, allergens, etc.). In one general embodiment, the containment receptacle comprises a bag, like a standard vacuum bag, which is permeable to allow for air and gases to pass through while retaining any solid material. In another embodiment, the containment receptacle comprises a rigid housing attached firmly to the pressurized container. In yet another embodiment, the containment receptacle is merely an open tube in which the user thereof can put the open end of such tube into a garbage can or a sink drain.
Generally, the containment receptacle is also removable such that it can be emptied after use. As such, the containment receptacle could be either cleanable or disposable, as those terms would generally be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art. Alternative types of containment receptacles could easily be suitable for embodiments of the present invention. In some such alternative embodiments, environmental considerations may be used with the containment receptacle, such as providing HEPA filters, general air filters, or the like, to minimize impact of using embodiments of the present invention.
The reference numeral 300 (
In the illustrated example, the toggle switch 318 includes a first position (see
The illustrated toggle switch 318 includes a second position (see
In the illustrated example, the toggle switch 318 can include projections that snap into slots to maintain the toggle switch 318 in either the first position or the second position. The toggle switch 318 can include finger grips 338 extending downwardly from the bottom of the sliding bar 320 as shown in
The spray and suction device 200, 300 can include accessories for helping blowing and vacuuming. As shown in
In the illustrated example, the collection receptacle 336 can be releasably connected to or fixed to the pressurized container 302. The collection receptacle 336 includes a fine mesh filter 350 to allow air to pass therethrough while collecting particles within the collection receptacle 336. The fine mesh filter 350 can be formed as a door 352 that is hinged to the pressurized container 302 or a part connected to the pressurized container 302 at a hinge 354. A latch 356 allows the door 352 to move between a closed position wherein the particles are maintained within the collection receptacle 336 and an open position for emptying the collection receptacle 336. It is contemplated that a system including the passageway system 314, the toggle switch 318 and the collection receptacle 336 could be connected to a pre-existing pressurized container 302 with a bottom tab 360 holding the entire assembly on the pre-existing pressurized container 302. It is further contemplated that a flexible tube 362 (made of any material, such as silicon) could be affixed between the passageway system 314 and the collection receptacle 336. With the flexible tube 362, the fixing head 306 and the collection receptacle 336 can each be individually connected to the pressurized container 302 (with the venturi passage 326 potentially being bonded (e.g., by an adhesive) to the pressurized container 302), with the flexible tube 362 then being interconnected between the passageway system 314 and the collection receptacle 336. In such a situation, it is contemplated that the flexible tube 362 could be fixed to one (or neither) of the fixing head 306 and the collection receptacle 336 and being connected to the other (or both) of the fixing head 306 and the collection receptacle 336 by any means (e.g., an interference fit).
One embodiment of using embodiments of the present invention is described in accordance with a method 600 flowchart shown in
In certain embodiments, step 610 requires the adaptation of an existing pressurized air canister, or gas duster, with a vacuum tube, a collection receptacle, and the trigger apparatus, in the form of a kit, such that the resulting structure exists as described herein.
At step 620, the user engages the trigger apparatus which in turn engages the release valve. In many embodiments, the structure of the release valve provides that the lateral force provided by the trigger apparatus is sufficient to permit the release of the pressurized fluid from the pressurized container. In many embodiments, where a fluorocarbon is used, such as difluoroethane, upon release from pressurized container, the fluid reaches its boiling point and becomes a gas, easily escaping through the release valve.
At step 630, the escaping fluid enters the vacuum tube in a direction towards the collection receptacle. The pressurized fluid traveling through the vacuum tube creates a pressure differential, as the moving fluid drops the pressure within the vacuum tube as compared to the ambient atmospheric pressure. This low pressure creates a venutri effect at the suction end of the vacuum tube.
As step 640, while the pressurized fluid is entering the vacuum tube, the user introduces debris to the suction end of the vacuum tube. The pressure differential easily sucks the debris into the vacuum tube towards the collection receptacle. The debris is collected at the collection receptacle.
At step 650, the user optionally disposes of the contained debris by cleaning out or disposing of the collection receptacle in any known disposal or cleaning manner. The method ends at step 660, until the user needs to clean debris in a future use.
While the foregoing is directed to embodiments of the present invention, other and further embodiment s of the invention may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof. It is also understood that various embodiments described herein may be utilized in combination with any other embodiment described, without departing from the scope contained herein.
This claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/842 876, filed May 3, 2019, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 62842876 | May 2019 | US |
