Assisted drive for surface cleaning devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vacuum cleaners require significant user force to maneuver, leading to muscle fatigue due to the need for manual pushing, pulling, and steering, which can vary based on the device type and surface being cleaned.
Innovation Solution
A force-sensing arrangement in surface cleaning devices, such as vacuum cleaners, that translates user-supplied force into command signals to control the device's direction and movement, using load cells and a controller to infer desired directions and adjust cleaning operations, allowing for reduced manual effort and intuitive operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual force is applied to push, pull and steer the vacuum cleaner, then the device can be maneuvered across surfaces, but user muscle fatigue increases due to continuous application of force
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical force with an automated drive system. Load cells mounted on the handle detect user input forces and convert them into electrical signals. A controller processes these signals and commands a drive motor to propel the vacuum cleaner in the desired direction, substituting the need for continuous manual pushing and pulling with an automated mechanical system that responds to user intent.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary system between the user and the vacuum cleaner movement. The load cells act as intermediaries that sense user force input on the handle, translate it into electrical commands, and activate the drive motor. This intermediary mechanism amplifies small user inputs into sufficient driving force, reducing the physical effort required while maintaining intuitive control.
2Adaptability or versatility
If brushrolls are driven at different rotational speeds, then the surface cleaning device can rotate or change direction, but additional motor control complexity is introduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the brushrolls serve multiple functions: their primary cleaning function and a secondary propulsion function. By controlling the rotational speed and direction of the brushrolls, the system achieves both surface cleaning and directional movement/change. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate drive mechanisms, simplifying the overall system while maintaining directional control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The brushrolls serve themselves by performing dual functions. Instead of being solely cleaning elements, they also act as propulsion mechanisms. The drive motor controls brushroll rotation to achieve both cleaning agitation and directional movement of the vacuum cleaner body, allowing the same components to serve multiple purposes and reducing system complexity.
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 solution minimizes muscle fatigue during cleaning by enabling users to control the device with less force, allowing for efficient movement and adjustment of cleaning operations without visible or complex user input devices, and can be integrated without altering the device's aesthetics or functionality.
Implementation Method 1
a force-sensing arrangement with load cells that detect the user supplying a relatively small amount of force
Data Source
AI summary
In general, the present disclosure is directed to a force-sensing arrangement for use in surface cleaning devices, such as a vacuum device, that allows a user-supplied force to be translated into a command signal to cause the surface cleaning device to accelerate forward, reverse or to veer/turn in a desired direction. In an embodiment, the surface cleaning device includes a nozzle, wheels, motor(s) to drive the wheels, and an upright handle portion. The surface cleaning device includes a force-sensing arrangement with load cells coupled at a position where user force is transferred from the upright portion to the nozzle. The force-sensing arrangement detects the user supplying a relatively small amount of force and translates the same into measurement signals. A controller coupled to the load cells utilizes the measurement signals to determine or “infer” a desired direction of travel.