Floor Cleaner Battery-Adaptive Power Control for Extended Runtime
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional floor cleaners operate inefficiently due to a lack of adaptability in battery voltage, inconsistent power consumption, and separate control circuitry for different components, leading to suboptimal performance and frequent battery depletion.
Innovation Solution
A control system that adjusts suction motor power based on battery capacity and user preferences, integrates multiple control functions onto a single PCB, and detects motion and surface contact to optimize operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If high power level is drawn from battery pack, then cleaning performance is improved, but battery life is reduced causing frequent recharging
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the power level of the suction motor based on real-time detection of battery pack capacity. The controller modifies operational parameters to match the battery's capabilities, enabling the system to operate at optimal power levels rather than fixed settings, thus preventing premature battery depletion while maintaining effective cleaning performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller changes operational parameters (power level, suction strength, motor speed) based on detected battery capacity characteristics. By adapting these parameters to the specific battery pack installed, the system optimizes the balance between power output and battery longevity, allowing high power when appropriate battery capacity is detected while conserving energy when smaller capacity batteries are used.
2Device complexity
If single PCB controls all operations, then device complexity is reduced, but control precision for specific functions may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent consolidates multiple separate control functions (suction motor control, battery management, motion detection, surface contact sensing) onto a single integrated PCB. This unified controller receives inputs from various sensors and coordinates all operational aspects of the floor cleaner, reducing the number of separate electronic control units while maintaining comprehensive control capabilities through centralized processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The single PCB is designed with multi-functional capabilities to handle diverse control tasks. It can detect battery pack characteristics, interpret motion sensor signals, process surface contact information, and adjust motor operations accordingly. This universal controller replaces multiple specialized PCBs, achieving device simplification while preserving all necessary control functions through integrated circuit design.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of operating a cleaning system is provided herein. The method includes receiving a first battery pack including a first battery controller, receiving a first signal from the first battery controller, outputting, in response to receiving the first signal, a first control signal, operating a motor at a first predetermined constant power based on the first control signal, receiving a second battery pack including a second battery controller, receiving a second signal from the second battery controller, outputting, in response to receiving the second signal, a second control signal, and operating the motor at a second predetermined constant power based on the second control signal.