Cleaning device with lights
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cleaning devices struggle to efficiently handle mixed media debris, require high setup times, and often need manual cleaning, which can be messy and inconvenient, especially in poorly lit areas.
Innovation Solution
A cordless cleaning device with an elongated handle, housing, and a replacement head featuring on-board lights, a vacuum source, and a reservoir for cleaning solution, where the lights are activated by user input and remain illuminated for a predetermined time during use, automatically turning off to conserve energy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If on-board lights are added to illuminate dark areas during cleaning, then illumination capability is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lights operate periodically rather than continuously - they are activated only when motion is detected by the sensor or when a button is pressed, and remain on for a predetermined time period. This periodic operation pattern reduces overall energy consumption while maintaining illumination capability when needed during cleaning operations in dark areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses motion sensors to detect user activity and provides feedback by automatically activating the lights when motion is detected or when buttons are pressed. This feedback mechanism ensures lights are only consumed when actual cleaning activity is occurring, optimizing the balance between illumination needs and energy conservation.
2Illumination intensity
If lights are activated continuously to illuminate dark areas, then illumination capability is improved, but battery life decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The lights are configured to operate in periodic intervals rather than continuously. They activate for predetermined time periods when triggered by motion detection or button presses, then turn off automatically. This periodic operation significantly extends battery life while maintaining adequate illumination during active cleaning tasks.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically manages light activation and deactivation based on detected user activity, eliminating the need for manual intervention. The motion sensor and timer work together to self-regulate light operation, turning lights on when needed and off when not needed, thereby conserving battery power throughout the device's operational duration.
3Use of energy by moving object
If motion sensor and button activation system are added to control lights, then energy efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The motion sensor and button system serve multiple functions: they activate lights for illumination, trigger vacuum operation, and control cleaning solution dispensing. This multi-functionality approach means the added complexity of the control system benefits multiple device functions simultaneously, making the complexity worthwhile as it improves overall energy efficiency across all operations.
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
The device effectively illuminates dark areas during cleaning, reduces manual effort, and conserves battery life by only using lights when needed, ensuring a cleaner and more efficient cleaning process.
Implementation Method 1
at least one portable power source that is in electrical communication with the circuit board
Implementation Method 2
a circuit board having at least one sensor capable of sensing motion of the cleaning device body
Implementation Method 3
at least one light mounted thereon, the light(s) also being in electrical communication with the circuit board
Data Source
AI summary
A cleaning device includes a cleaning device body and a replacement head. The cleaning device body includes an elongated handle, a housing and a replacement head mounting section. The replacement head has a pad that is intended to clean a surface, such as a floor and is removably attachable to the cleaning device body. The housing includes a circuit board having at least one sensor capable of sensing motion. The handle includes at least one button that can turn on/off either a vacuum source or a jet nozzle that sprays cleaner fluid. The cleaning device body further includes at least one light mounted thereon. The at least one light is illuminated when the button is pressed and then the at least one light remains illuminated until a predetermined amount of time has passed during which neither the button has not been pressed nor motion sensed by the sensor.