On the application of resonators for controlling flow noise in a stick-type vacuum cleaner

Abstract This study explores a novel resonator design to reduce airflow noise in a vacuum cleaner. The design parameters were established to target noise reduction within the frequency range of approximately 1 kHz to 5 kHz. The resonator design, geometrically integrated with the vacuum cleaner body and flow line, was initially modeled using the 1D Transfer Matrix Method (TMM) and subsequently evaluated through numerical FEM simulations. Following the acoustic analyses, flow simulations were conducted to determine the pressure drop across the resonator and assess its overall aerodynamic impact on the system. The acoustic performance of the final design was assessed through FEM-based Sound Transmission Loss (STL) predictions and whole-machine A-weighted sound power measurements with the manufactured prototype installed. The sound power measurements demonstrated the effectiveness of the design within the targeted frequency range, while the STL predictions characterized its acoustic transmission behavior.