Floor Cleaning Apparatus Using Motor Current to Control Fluid Supply
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing floor cleaning devices are complex and lack a simple, effective solution for adapting to different floor surfaces and optimizing cleaning processes based on real-time frictional resistance and moisture levels.
Innovation Solution
A floor cleaning device with a control unit, a movable cleaning element, and an electric motor that uses counter-electromotive force to determine frictional resistance, adjusting liquid supply and movement speed to maintain optimal cleaning conditions, and detecting sudden changes in friction to adapt to various surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If complex systems for determining floor conditions and soil detection are used, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential measurement function from complex floor condition detection systems and isolates it to a simple frictional resistance measurement through current intensity monitoring. Instead of using multiple sensors and complex analysis systems, the invention focuses on measuring the frictional resistance between the cleaning element and floor surface, which directly correlates to cleaning effectiveness while maintaining system simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces frictional resistance as an intermediary parameter that mediates between the cleaning element's interaction with the floor surface and the control system. By measuring the frictional resistance through current intensity during power interruptions, the system obtains meaningful floor condition information without requiring direct complex sensing of floor properties or soil characteristics.
2Duration of action of moving object
If continuous power supply to the electric motor is maintained, then cleaning continuity is improved, but measurement accuracy of frictional resistance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic power interruptions to the electric motor during the cleaning process. These brief interruptions occur at predetermined intervals and allow for accurate frictional resistance measurements through current intensity monitoring. The periodic nature ensures that cleaning continuity is maintained overall while providing regular measurement opportunities to monitor and adjust cleaning parameters based on frictional resistance changes.
3Quantity of substance
If liquid supply is continuously maintained, then textile moisture is improved, but frictional resistance control precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control system where frictional resistance measurements (obtained through current intensity monitoring during power interruptions) are used to adjust liquid supply to the cleaning element. When frictional resistance deviates from a predetermined range, the control unit modifies liquid supply quantity or distribution to restore optimal frictional resistance levels. This closed-loop feedback ensures precise control of frictional resistance while maintaining appropriate textile moisture.
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
The device optimizes cleaning by maintaining constant frictional resistance, preventing surface damage, and efficiently transitioning between different floor types, ensuring effective dirt removal and energy conservation.
Implementation Method 1
The electric motor comprises a stator and a rotor, allowing a counter-electromotive force to occur. The counter-electromotive force is the electromotive force generated by the rotation of the rotor in a magnetic field.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a device (1) for cleaning a surface (2) comprising a control unit (14), a movable cleaning element (7) for holding a cleaning cloth, an electric motor (15) for moving the cleaning element (7), and a liquid supply device (12) for supplying a liquid to the cleaning element (7), characterized in that the control unit (14) is configured such that during a cleaning process of the surface (2), the power supply to the electric motor (15) is temporarily interrupted, and after the interruption, the control unit (14) determines a measure of frictional resistance based on a detected current profile (20) of the electric motor (15). In this way, for example, the liquid supply to a cleaning cloth can be controlled to automatically maintain a constant moisture level of the cleaning cloth. The invention also relates to a method for cleaning a surface.