Drive system for a surface treatment apparatus and a surface treatment apparatus having the same
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing surface treatment devices, such as vacuum cleaners, face challenges in maintaining an optimal suction force while minimizing the separation distance between the surface cleaning head and the surface, which can lead to reduced debris entrainment and potential damage to the suction motor.
Innovation Solution
A drive system utilizing magnetic gears is introduced, where a first agitator rotates a second agitator through alternating magnetic fields, allowing for concurrent rotation and adjustable speed and direction, thereby optimizing debris dislodgment and suction force without damaging the suction motor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If the separation distance between the surface cleaning head and the surface is decreased to increase suction force, then the suction force increases, but the suction motor could be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
A drive system with magnetic gears is introduced as an intermediary mechanism between the suction motor and the surface cleaning head. This magnetic gear system transmits rotational force while maintaining a safe separation distance, allowing the suction motor to operate at optimal power levels without direct contact with the cleaning head, thus preventing motor damage while maintaining effective suction force.
Solution Approach 2:
The drive system incorporates adjustable speed control through magnetic gears, allowing dynamic adjustment of the rotation speed of the surface cleaning head relative to the suction motor speed. This enables the system to maintain optimal suction force across varying operating conditions while protecting the motor from overload by decoupling the motor speed from the cleaning head speed.
2Reliability
If the separation distance between the surface cleaning head and the surface is increased, then the suction motor is protected, but the suction force decreases and debris entrainment is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic gear drive system acts as a mediator that allows the suction motor to operate at a safe distance from the surface cleaning head while still transmitting sufficient rotational force. This intermediary mechanism enables the motor to remain protected while the cleaning head maintains optimal engagement with the surface for effective debris entrainment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter of rotational speed through the magnetic gear transmission ratio. By adjusting the speed ratio between the suction motor and the surface cleaning head, the system can maintain high debris entrainment efficiency at the cleaning head while the motor operates at safe, protected speed and load levels.
3Device complexity
If a direct drive system is used to rotate the surface cleaning head, then the structure is simpler, but the suction motor could be damaged due to direct coupling
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of a direct drive system, the patent introduces a magnetic gear drive system as an intermediary. This adds a layer of complexity but provides crucial protection to the suction motor by decoupling it from the surface cleaning head, allowing independent optimization of motor protection and cleaning effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical gear systems with magnetic gears that use magnetic fields for power transmission. This substitution reduces mechanical complexity by eliminating physical gear teeth and meshing components while still providing the necessary decoupling and protection for the suction motor.
4Productivity
If the surface cleaning head engages closely with the surface to maximize debris dislodgment, then cleaning effectiveness increases, but the suction motor may be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic gear drive system serves as an intermediary that allows the surface cleaning head to engage closely with the surface for maximum debris dislodgment effectiveness while the suction motor operates at a safe distance and load level. The magnetic transmission decouples the mechanical stress from the motor while maintaining effective power delivery to the cleaning head.
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 configuration enhances debris collection efficiency while maintaining a safe suction force, allowing the surface cleaning head to effectively engage surfaces with varying obstacles and types, including walls and furniture, without compromising the suction motor's integrity.
Implementation Method 1
A drive system utilizing magnetic gears is introduced, where a first agitator rotates a second agitator through alternating magnetic fields
Implementation Method 2
The drive system includes at least a first ring of magnets and a second ring of magnets, each configured to be rotated in response to the rotation of the first agitator. The magnets are arranged according to polarity in an alternating fashion.
Data Source
AI summary
A surface treatment apparatus may include a first agitator, a second agitator, and a drive system configured to cause the second agitator to rotate concurrently with the first agitator, the drive system including at least a first magnetic gear and a second magnetic gear.