Floor Cleaner Brushroll Control Using Tray Position Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing floor cleaners lack an efficient mechanism for transitioning between cleaning and storage modes, and for enabling/disabling the brushroll motor based on the device's position within a cleaning tray, which affects the cleaning efficacy and convenience.
Innovation Solution
A floor cleaner design with a movable base and upright portion, a suction motor, fluid distributor, and a brushroll powered by a motor with a control circuit that switches between enabled and disabled states based on the device's position within the cleaning tray, utilizing switches and actuators to manage the cleaning mode and fluid distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the brushroll motor is continuously powered during all positions, then the brushroll remains ready for immediate cleaning action, but energy is wasted when the device is in storage position and cleaning is not needed
Solution Approach 1:
The brushroll motor's operational state is dynamically changed based on the device's position. The control system transitions the motor from a continuously powered state to a position-based controlled state, where the motor is only activated when the device is in the cleaning tray. This resolves the contradiction by making the system adaptive to operational conditions rather than maintaining a fixed operational state.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical system of continuous motor power delivery is replaced with an electronically controlled system that uses position sensing and switch circuits to selectively activate the motor. This substitution allows for intelligent control of energy consumption while maintaining cleaning readiness when needed.
2Ease of operation
If the floor cleaner automatically activates cleaning mode when placed in the cleaning tray, then the cleaning process is simplified and more convenient, but the device complexity increases due to additional sensors and control circuits
Solution Approach 1:
The floor cleaner is designed to automatically detect when it is placed in the cleaning tray and autonomously activate the cleaning mode without requiring manual user input. The position sensing mechanism and control circuit work together to trigger the appropriate cleaning functions automatically, making the device self-activating based on its environmental context.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system is pre-configured with position detection capabilities that automatically initiate cleaning mode in advance of actual cleaning needs. When the device is placed in the cleaning tray, the system proactively activates the brushroll motor and fluid distribution system, preparing the cleaning function before the user actually needs to perform cleaning actions.
3Use of energy by moving object
If position-based switching control is implemented to activate the brushroll motor only in the cleaning tray, then energy efficiency is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional switches and control circuits
Solution Approach 1:
The simple mechanical on/off control is replaced with an electronically based position sensing and control system. Instead of using complex mechanical linkages or switches, the patent employs position detection circuits and electronic control to manage motor activation, achieving energy efficiency through intelligent control rather than mechanical means.
Data Source
AI summary
A combination of a floor cleaner and a cleaning tray. At least a portion of a base of the floor cleaner is received by a reservoir of the cleaning tray. The floor cleaner further including an upright portion movable between an inclined use position and an upright storage position. The brushroll is powered by a brushroll motor. The brushroll motor includes a control circuit that controls the brushroll. The control circuit has a first switch that is open when the floor cleaner is in the upright position and closed when the floor cleaner is in the inclined use position. The second switch is in parallel with the first switch. The second switch is opened in response to the portion of the base being removed from the cleaning tray and the second switch is closed when the portion of the base is in the cleaning tray.