Vacuum cleaner
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vacuum cleaners face limitations in mobility and battery life due to power cord constraints and inefficient battery management, leading to restricted cleaning distances and reduced battery longevity.
Innovation Solution
A vacuum cleaner with a battery management system (BMS) and controller that monitors battery voltage, stopping the suction motor when the voltage reaches a reference level, and dynamically adjusts the reference voltage based on usage conditions, along with a high-voltage battery configuration to enhance mobility and extend battery life.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by stationary object
If a cord reel assembly is provided in the main body to supply power, then power can be supplied to the main body, but the cleaner's movement is limited to the length of the cord
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the cord reel assembly from the main body and provides power through a separate power source (battery or external power supply) connected via a long cable, extracting the power supply function from the stationary cord reel and enabling greater mobility
2Use of energy by moving object
If a fixed reference voltage is used to stop the suction motor, then power consumption is controlled, but battery lifetime is reduced due to inefficient voltage utilization
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic reference voltage adjustment mechanism where the reference voltage is not fixed but changes based on battery status (charge level, temperature, age). This allows the system to optimize power consumption at different battery states while maximizing overall battery lifetime by preventing deep discharge and managing thermal conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The battery management system continuously monitors battery status parameters and provides feedback to adjust the reference voltage accordingly. This closed-loop control ensures optimal power consumption management while extending battery life through adaptive voltage regulation
3Productivity
If the suction motor operates continuously until battery depletion, then cleaning productivity is maximized, but battery damage occurs and lifetime is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by continuously monitoring battery status and proactively adjusting the reference voltage before critical thresholds are reached. The battery management system predicts battery state and takes preventive measures to avoid deep discharge and thermal damage, ensuring both productivity and reliability
Data Source
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AI summary
A vacuum cleaner is provided. The vacuum cleaner includes: a cleaner main body comprising a suction motor that generates a suction force; a suction unit arranged to communication with the cleaner main body and receives air and dust; a battery arranged to supply power to the suction motor; a battery management system (BMS) arranged to detect a status of the battery; and a controller arranged to control an operation of the suction motor, wherein, if a voltage of the battery detected by the BMS reaches a reference voltage, the controller stops the suction motor, and the reference voltage is changeable.