Floor care appliance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing brush vacuum cleaners face challenges in implementing effective overload protection mechanisms, particularly in devices with a single motor for both fan and brush drive, which complicates ensuring stability and operating safety.
Innovation Solution
A mechanical torque detection system using a drive disk mounted on a shaft with a torque-proof output element, coupled via a torsion spring to a coupling disk with cams and ramps, allows for axial adjustment and safety shutdown via a switching element when a torque threshold is exceeded, incorporating an eddy current disk for triggering the shutdown.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single motor is used for both fan and brush drive, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability of overload protection deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single motor system into functionally separate drive paths: one for the fan and one for the brush roller. By implementing independent overload protection mechanisms for each function, the system maintains simplicity while ensuring reliable protection for both motor functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a belt-driven torque detection mechanism as an intermediary between the motor and the brush roller. This intermediary system mechanically detects torque levels and triggers shutdown when overload occurs, providing reliable protection without requiring complex electronic control systems.
2Measurement precision
If electronic torque measurement with microcontrollers is used, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electronic torque measurement systems with a purely mechanical torque detection mechanism. The belt-driven system mechanically translates torque into detectable motion that directly triggers the shutdown mechanism, eliminating the need for microcontrollers and complex electronics while maintaining adequate measurement precision for overload detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The torque detection system is designed to be self-actuating: when excessive torque is applied to the brush roller, the belt mechanism automatically detects this through mechanical deformation and directly triggers the shutdown without requiring external electronic control or processing.
3Reliability
If mechanical torque detection with multiple components is used, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into the belt-driven mechanism: the same belt that transmits power to the brush roller also serves as the torque detection element. This merging of power transmission and detection functions into a single component reduces overall system complexity while maintaining reliable torque detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The drive belt serves multiple functions simultaneously: it transmits mechanical power from the motor to the brush roller, acts as the torque sensing element, and provides the triggering mechanism for overload protection. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed while ensuring reliable operation.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution provides a compact, low-wear mechanism for torque detection and control, damping impact loads, and compensating for torque peaks, enhancing the operational safety and stability of brush vacuum cleaners.
Implementation Method 1
the drive disk is coupled via a torsion spring to a coupling disk which is displaceable axially on the shaft
Implementation Method 2
a damping in particular for the belt drives of the system is performed simultaneously by the torsion spring in order to compensate for impact loads
Implementation Method 3
a triggering element which can be coupled to the coupling disk is formed by an eddy current disk arranged coaxially rotatably on the shaft, which with associated magnets transmits a force from the rotating system to a fixedly arranged switch element
Data Source
AI summary
A floor care appliance in the form of a brush vacuum cleaner having a brush set facing the floor for receiving a driven brush roller with an overload protection. A drive disk is mounted rotatably on the shaft and the shaft has a torque-proof output element to the brush roller and the drive disk is coupled via a torsion spring to a coupling disk which is displaceable axially on the shaft and which is coupled in a torque-proof manner via cams to the shaft. Ramps are formed on the drive disk which, above a torque threshold, axially adjust the coupling disk with corresponding ramps by relative twisting. A safety shutdown can be controlled via the adjusting movement via a corresponding switching element of a circuit arrangement.