Vacuum cleaners are probably one of the greatest things to ever be invented. These little gadgets can come in many different forms, but they all carry the same purpose; to clean. But how? How do vacuum cleaners work?
Parts of a vacuum.
There are many different parts that contribute to how a vacuum cleaner works. These parts include;
- Filters
- Belts
- Brushes
- Intake and exhaust ports
- A bag or canister
- Motor
- Fan
All of these components are needed when using a vacuum cleaner, but if one piece is missing or not working it can result in a loss of suction from the vacuum.
Motor and fan
The motor of the vacuum runs everything. When the vacuum is turned on, the motor starts to turn the fan. Turning the fan, sucks up particles and debris from off the floor through the intake port. This is caused by negative pressure. Cosmos Magazine related negative pressure in vacuum cleaners to using a straw to drink a soda. “When you take a sip of drink through a straw, the action of sucking creates a negative air pressure inside the straw: a pressure that is lower than that of the surrounding atmosphere.” Once the air is in the vacuum it is pushed into the bag or canister, it is then pushed out of the exhaust port so more air and particles can be picked up.
Filters
Before the air is pushed out of the exhaust port, the air goes through one or two different fine filters. This is very important because your vacuum can pick up microscopic particles which can cause harm to your lungs if inhaled in large quantities. The filters trap any unseen particles and make the air that is pushed through the exhaust port clean and breathable.
Brushes and belts
Many vacuum cleaners have a rotating brush in the front near the intake port. The brushes are rotated by a belt which is attached to the motor. These brushes increase efficiency to help lift up particles and debris from carpet and rugs. When vacuuming a hard surface like wood or tile, the brushes aren’t necessary because the suction of the vacuum is efficient enough on its own.
These brilliant machines make this world a much cleaner place.