Brushroll Installation Detection Using Magnet and Hall Sensor

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Users often forget to reinstall or incorrectly reinstall components of floor cleaners, such as brushrolls and filters, leading to poor cleaning performance and potential damage to the device, and may replace these components with low-quality alternatives that do not meet the requirements of the floor cleaner.

Innovation Solution

A floor cleaner with a detection mechanism that includes a magnet on the replaceable components and a Hall Effect sensor to ensure correct installation, preventing operation of electrically-powered components if the components are not properly installed or if unauthorized components are used.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a detection mechanism with magnet and Hall Effect sensor is added to verify component installation, then component installation correctness is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomponent installation correctnessVSAvoiddetection mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical verification systems with a magnetic field-based detection mechanism. A permanent magnet embedded in the brushroll interacts with a Hall Effect sensor to verify correct installation, eliminating the need for complex mechanical interlocks or switches while achieving reliable detection of component presence and orientation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The detection mechanism serves multiple functions: it verifies brushroll installation, prevents operation with incorrect components, and potentially tracks brushroll position or rotation status. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by consolidating several verification tasks into a single integrated system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If operation is prevented when magnet is not detected, then component installation correctness is improved, but ease of operation worsens

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomponent installation correctnessVSAvoidoperation convenience
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs verification of component installation before allowing operation. The Hall Effect sensor detects the magnet's presence and position prior to enabling the vacuum motor or other electrical components, ensuring correct assembly is confirmed in advance of operation commencement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The detection mechanism provides immediate feedback to the user about component installation status. If the magnet is not detected or is in an incorrect position, the system prevents operation and can potentially provide visual or auditory feedback to guide the user in correcting the installation before allowing operation to proceed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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

Ensures proper operation of the floor cleaner by ensuring that authorized and high-quality components are correctly installed, enhancing cleaning performance and preventing damage to the device.

Implementation Method 1

a detection mechanism comprising a magnet on the replaceable component and a Hall Effect sensor positioned to detect the permanent magnet when the replaceable component is correctly installed on the floor cleaner

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHall Effect: Hall Effect

Data Source

PatentEP4122368B1Brushroll and floor cleaner
Publication Date: 2024.08.28 BISSELL INC
  • EP4122368B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4122368B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4122368B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present disclosure provides a floor cleaner that includes a replaceable component, such as a brushroll or a filter. The floor cleaner has a detection mechanism comprising a magnet on the replaceable component and a Hall Effect sensor positioned to detect the permanent magnet when the replaceable component is correctly installed on the floor cleaner. Operation of one or more electrically-powered components of the floor cleaner is prevented when the permanent magnet is not detected by the Hall Effect sensor.