Handheld Cleaner Suction Control Using Operation Angle Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Handheld surface cleaners often fail to optimize suction efficiency due to improper operation angles, leading to inefficient debris and fluid recovery, and lack feedback mechanisms to guide users into optimal cleaning positions.

Innovation Solution

A handheld cleaner with an operation angle sensor and controller that adjusts suction power based on detected angles, providing distinct audible feedback to encourage proper positioning and enhance cleaning efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If suction power is continuously maintained at high level, then cleaning efficiency is improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecleaning efficiencyVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The suction power is made dynamically adjustable based on real-time detection of operation angle. The controller modifies the suction source output according to whether the cleaner is in optimal cleaning position, transitioning between high and low power states to match actual cleaning needs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

An operation angle sensor continuously monitors the cleaner's angle relative to the surface and provides feedback to the controller. This feedback loop enables automatic adjustment of suction power, ensuring high efficiency only when properly positioned while reducing power consumption during improper use or transport.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Productivity

If operation angle sensor and controller are added, then suction optimization is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesuction optimizationVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical angle adjustment mechanisms with an electronic sensing and control system. The operation angle sensor and controller electronically detect and adjust suction parameters, eliminating the need for mechanical angle indicators or manual adjustment mechanisms.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The system optimizes cleaning performance by dynamically changing the suction power parameter based on detected operation angle. This parameter adjustment approach simplifies the overall system compared to mechanical modifications, using electronic control to achieve optimal cleaning conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP4397221A1Method for controlling suction based on detected operation angles
Publication Date: 2024.07.10 BISSELL INC
  • EP4397221A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4397221A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4397221A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A handheld cleaner (10) includes a housing (14) that at least partially defines an air pathway (18) and a suction nozzle (22) that defines a nozzle inlet (26) in communication with a suction pathway (30). The suction pathway (30) is configured to extract at least one of debris or liquid from a surface (5) to the air pathway (18). An exhaust (34) defines an outlet to the air pathway (18). A suction source (38) is in fluid communication with the suction nozzle (22) via the suction pathway (30). The suction source (38) is configured to generate a working air stream. An operation angle sensor (42) is configured to detect an operation angle of the handheld cleaner (10) relative to the surface (S). A controller (46) is in electrical communication with the suction source (38) and the operation angle sensor (42) via an electrical pathway. The controller (46) is configured to control an amount of suction generated by the suction source (38) based on the detected operation angle.