Dual-Power Vacuum Cleaner Control Without AC/DC Switch Modules

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vacuum cleaners lack the ability to seamlessly switch between AC and DC power sources without a separate switch module or sensor, limiting their versatility and user convenience.

Innovation Solution

A vacuum cleaner design that includes a detachable power supply unit capable of using both AC and DC power sources, featuring a voltage detecting unit and controller to adjust the duty ratio of the driving circuit based on the applied voltage, allowing for efficient operation without a separate switch or sensor.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a separate switch module or sensor is added to enable switching between AC and DC power sources, then the cleaner can use both power sources, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower source compatibilityVSAvoidswitch module complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The voltage detecting unit automatically detects whether AC or DC voltage is applied and the controller autonomously adjusts the driving circuit parameters accordingly, eliminating the need for manual switches or sensors. The system serves itself by automatically adapting to the connected power source type.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The controller changes the duty ratio parameter of the driving circuit based on the detected voltage type. When AC voltage is detected, the duty ratio is reduced to a first value; when DC voltage is detected, the duty ratio is increased to a second value, enabling optimal operation for each power source without additional hardware.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If a separate switch module or sensor is added to enable switching between AC and DC power sources, then the cleaner can use both power sources, but the manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower source compatibilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The voltage detecting unit automatically detects whether AC or DC voltage is applied and the controller autonomously adjusts the driving circuit parameters accordingly, eliminating the need for manual switches or sensors. The system serves itself by automatically adapting to the connected power source type.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The controller changes the duty ratio parameter of the driving circuit based on the detected voltage type. When AC voltage is detected, the duty ratio is reduced to a first value; when DC voltage is detected, the duty ratio is increased to a second value, enabling optimal operation for each power source without additional hardware.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Power

If the cleaner is designed to use only AC power source with high output suction motor, then the motor performance is optimized, but the cleaner cannot operate with DC power source

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesuction motor outputVSAvoidpower source options
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The driving circuit dynamically adjusts its operation based on the detected power source type. The duty ratio is dynamically changed between a first value for AC power and a second value for DC power, allowing the motor to operate efficiently with either power source while maintaining high suction performance when AC is available.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The controller changes the duty ratio parameter of the driving circuit based on the detected voltage type. When AC voltage is detected, the duty ratio is reduced to a first value; when DC voltage is detected, the duty ratio is increased to a second value, enabling optimal operation for each power source without additional hardware.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

4Productivity

If the duty ratio is not adjusted based on voltage type, then the driving circuit operation is simplified, but the cleaner cannot efficiently operate on both AC and DC power sources

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperation efficiencyVSAvoidcontrol complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The voltage detecting unit automatically detects whether AC or DC voltage is applied and the controller autonomously adjusts the driving circuit parameters accordingly, eliminating the need for manual switches or sensors. The system serves itself by automatically adapting to the connected power source type.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The controller changes the duty ratio parameter of the driving circuit based on the detected voltage type. When AC voltage is detected, the duty ratio is reduced to a first value; when DC voltage is detected, the duty ratio is increased to a second value, enabling optimal operation for each power source without additional hardware.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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

Enables the vacuum cleaner to operate efficiently on both AC and DC power sources, minimizing volume and weight, reducing manufacturing costs, and enhancing user convenience by allowing easy selection of power sources, while maximizing utilization coverage.

Implementation Method 1

a voltage detecting unit detecting a voltage applied from the power supply unit

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVoltage detection: Electric Field

Implementation Method 2

a suction force generating unit installed in the main body to generate a suction force

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic conversion: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP3337366B1Cleaner and control method thereof
Publication Date: 2020.06.03 LG ELECTRONICS INC
  • EP3337366B1 patent drawingFigure 1a
  • EP3337366B1 patent drawingFigure 1b~2
  • EP3337366B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~3c

AI summary

Provided are a vacuum cleaner that uses both alternating current (AC) power and direct current (DC) power without a separate switch module, and a control method thereof. The cleaner includes a suction nozzle sucking a cleaning target, a suction connection part connected to the suction nozzle and allowing the sucked cleaning target to pass therethrough, and a main body separated from the suction nozzle and having a dust box collecting the cleaning target, wherein the main body includes a suction force generating unit installed in the main body to generate a suction force and a power supply unit detachably provided in the main body to apply a voltage to the suction force generating unit, wherein the power supply unit supplies power to the suction force generating unit using any one of a DC voltage and an AC voltage.