In a surprisingly simple way, one can create a vacuum cleaner using just a single piece of plastic tubing.
The vacuum cleaner is likely a familiar tool in every modern household; however, the way it operates is something that not many people understand well.
In fact, conventional vacuum cleaners operate based on a fairly simple principle of air pressure.
Can you vacuum with just a piece of plastic tubing?
When activated, the vacuum cleaner’s motor spins at high speed, causing the fan blades attached to the motor’s shaft to rotate quickly, creating a strong airflow that circulates within the tube.
These fan blades are responsible for regulating the incoming and outgoing airflow of the vacuum cleaner. Specifically, air is drawn in from one end and expelled from the other end.
To ensure that the expelled air is free of dust, a filter bag is placed inside the machine. This filter bag serves to trap all the dirt and debris that is sucked in.
An interesting video from Interesting Engineering even demonstrates the basic principle of creating air pressure to successfully vacuum using just a single piece of plastic tubing.
However, traditional bagged vacuum cleaners have the disadvantage of expelling air that is not completely clean.
To eliminate this drawback, vacuum cleaners have evolved into variations such as centrifugal vacuum cleaners, which help to fling dust particles away like a washing machine, or water-based vacuum cleaners that filter dust more effectively.
The operating mechanism of a vacuum cleaner, with airflow moving in the direction of the yellow arrows.
The motorized vacuum cleaner was invented by British researcher Hubert Cecil Booth in 1901.
This device used suction and was powered by electricity, but it was so large and heavy that it required a horse-drawn carriage for transportation.
However, prior to this, according to patent records in the United States, Hiram H. Renick was the first to invent a carpet sweeper, which served a similar function.
Nonetheless, this machine was ineffective and too complicated for everyday use.
Over time, the value of vacuum cleaners has been established, becoming essential for modern life. They help reduce the effort and time spent on cleaning and enhance the cleanliness of living spaces.
