Battery-Powered Cleaning Machine Voltage Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cleaning machines powered by batteries face challenges such as rapid voltage depletion, limited usage locations, and increased size due to battery housing requirements, leading to unpredictable operation and restricted mobility.
Innovation Solution
A cleaning machine with a battery pack and an over-discharge prevention circuit that automatically switches to a reduced power mode before voltage reaches critical levels, extending operation time and allowing use in locations without commercial power, while maintaining a compact size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a battery is used as the electric power source to enable usage at locations without commercial power, then the location flexibility is improved, but the voltage rapidly decreases when discharged capacity reaches a certain value, causing unpredictable operation time
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit performs preliminary action by detecting battery voltage and switching to reduced power mode before the voltage reaches critical levels. This proactive voltage management extends the operational duration by preventing rapid voltage depletion, thereby resolving the contradiction between location flexibility and operation time.
2Reliability
If the discharge stopping voltage is set to prevent over-discharge, then the battery protection is improved, but the operation stops abruptly when voltage reaches the stopping threshold, making it difficult for the operator to recognize the voltage decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit switches to reduced power mode at a voltage threshold higher than the discharge stopping voltage, providing preliminary warning to the operator before the battery is fully depleted. This gradual transition maintains reliability while improving operator awareness through extended operational feedback.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit continuously monitors battery voltage and provides feedback by adjusting power mode based on detected voltage levels. This feedback mechanism keeps the cleaning machine operational longer and provides the operator with continuous information about battery status, resolving the abrupt stop issue.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a battery pack is provided to enable mobile usage, then the mobility is improved, but the size of the cleaning machine increases due to the space required for housing the battery
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit dynamically adjusts power consumption based on detected voltage levels, switching between normal and reduced power modes. This dynamic power management optimizes battery utilization, allowing for more efficient space utilization and potentially smaller battery packs while maintaining mobility.
Data Source
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AI summary
In a cleaning machine provided with a main body 1 which discharges cleaning liquid by a pump 30 and a cleaning gun 2 which is connected to the main body 1, the cleaning machine has: an electric motor 31 which receives electric power supply from a battery pack 40 and which drives the pump 30; and a control circuit 63 which changes a rotating speed of the electric motor 31 so as to increase/decrease the discharging pressure of the cleaning liquid. When the voltage of the battery pack 40 is decreased down to a predetermined second voltage higher than a predetermined first voltage at which the electric power supply to the electric motor 31 is stopped, the largest discharging pressure of the cleaning liquid is decreased to be lower than a current-state discharging pressure thereof.