Cordless Vacuum Inactivity Sensing for Battery Runtime Extension
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cordless surface cleaning apparatuses, such as vacuum cleaners, face challenges in providing a longer runtime without compromising cleaning performance, as high-powered models quickly deplete batteries, and existing solutions like trigger-activated power cutoffs are user-unfriendly.
Innovation Solution
A battery-powered surface cleaning apparatus with a sensing unit to detect inactivity, transitioning to power conservation modes based on elapsed inactivity times, reducing power consumption by turning off or reducing electrical components when not in use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If high power is supplied to electrical components for better cleaning performance, then cleaning performance is improved, but battery runtime is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic power adjustment by transitioning between active and inactive modes based on real-time sensing of user presence and cleaning activity. The system dynamically allocates battery power to electrical components only when needed, rather than maintaining constant high power output, thereby extending runtime while preserving cleaning performance during active use.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller changes operational parameters of electrical components based on detected activity levels. When inactivity is detected, the system reduces power consumption parameters of electrical components such as motors and lights, directly addressing the runtime limitation while maintaining full performance capability when actively used.
2Ease of operation
If the cleaner remains powered on during user pauses, then user convenience is maintained, but unnecessary battery power is consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The sensing unit continuously monitors user presence and cleaning activity, providing feedback to the controller. Based on this feedback, the controller automatically transitions the system between active and inactive modes, enabling power conservation during pauses while maintaining readiness for immediate resumption of cleaning operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements periodic monitoring of cleaning activity through the sensing unit, which detects motion or user interaction at regular intervals. This periodic detection enables the controller to alternate between full-power operation and power-saving modes, reducing energy loss during pauses while maintaining user convenience through rapid response to resumed activity.
3Duration of action of moving object
If a trigger mechanism is used to cut off power during inactivity, then battery runtime is extended, but ease of operation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service by automatically detecting user presence and cleaning activity through the sensing unit, eliminating the need for manual trigger operation. The controller autonomously manages power distribution to electrical components, extending runtime while maintaining ease of operation through automatic, rather than manual, power management.
Data Source
AI summary
A surface cleaning apparatus includes a battery powering one or more electric components. The surface cleaning apparatus can have a power conversation mode that is executed by a controller. The surface cleaning apparatus can be provided with a sensing unit configured to detect inactivity of the surface cleaning apparatus and the controller is configured to receive a signal from the sensing unit to execute the power conservation mode based on the signal.