Cleaner and control method thereof
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cleaners require multiple sensors to detect dust inflow and container fullness, leading to increased manufacturing costs and device size due to limitations in existing dust detection technologies, such as piezo and infrared sensors, which struggle with small foreign substances and light contamination.
Innovation Solution
A cleaner utilizing a single dust detection sensor with a light emitting and receiving element positioned outside the dust container, emitting light towards the inlet, allowing for the identification of dust inflow and container fullness based on voltage output, and controlling the suction motor accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple sensors (dust detection sensor and dust amount detection sensor) are installed, then detection accuracy is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by enabling a single infrared sensor to perform both dust detection and dust amount detection functions. The sensor is positioned to detect dust particles in the air flow path, and the processor analyzes the detection signals to determine both the presence of dust and the accumulation level in the container, replacing what would traditionally require separate sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the dust detection sensor and dust amount detection sensor into a single integrated sensor unit. The infrared sensor is strategically positioned to simultaneously monitor dust particles in the air stream and detect the dust level in the container through the transparent window, merging multiple detection functions into one component.
2Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are installed, then detection accuracy is improved, but device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The single infrared sensor performs multiple detection functions, eliminating the need for separate sensor housings, mounting structures, and wiring for multiple sensors, thereby reducing the overall device volume while maintaining comprehensive detection capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
By merging the dust detection and dust amount detection functions into a single sensor positioned in the air flow path, the patent reduces the spatial requirements and allows for a more compact cleaner design without sacrificing detection accuracy.
3Measurement precision
If opposed-type infrared sensor is used, then dust detection is enabled, but dead zone increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the infrared sensor to detect dust particles in the three-dimensional air flow path rather than using a traditional opposed configuration. The sensor is placed to monitor dust accumulation from multiple angles as particles move through the container, reducing dead zones by utilizing spatial dimensionality in the detection approach.
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 effectively detects dust inflow and container fullness using a single sensor, reducing manufacturing costs and device size while improving detection accuracy and operational control.
Implementation Method 1
a dust detection sensor including a light emitting element and a light receiving element disposed adjacent to the suction device
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a cleaner. The cleaner according to an embodiment includes a main body, a suction device configured to suck dust outside the cleaner, a dust detection sensor including a light emitting element and a light receiving element disposed adjacent to the suction device, a dust container configured to store sucked dust through the suction device, and a processor configured to identify a dust inflow state and a dust amount of the dust container based on a voltage value output from the light receiving element, and control an operation of the cleaner based on the identified dust inflow state and dust amount, wherein the light emitting element and the light receiving element are disposed at an outside of the dust container in a direction toward an inlet of the dust container.