Method for controlling suction based on detected operation angles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Handheld surface cleaners often fail to optimize suction efficiency due to improper operation angles, leading to inefficient debris and fluid recovery, and lack feedback mechanisms to guide users into optimal cleaning positions.
Innovation Solution
A handheld cleaner with an operation angle sensor and controller that adjusts suction power based on detected angles, providing audible feedback to ensure effective cleaning by switching between high and low suction modes depending on the cleaning angle and nozzle engagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If suction power is continuously maintained at high level, then debris and fluid recovery efficiency is improved, but energy consumption increases and battery life decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The suction power is made dynamically adjustable based on real-time detection of operation angle by the sensor. The controller continuously monitors the angle and adjusts suction power accordingly, transitioning between high and low power states rather than maintaining a fixed level, thus optimizing the balance between cleaning efficiency and energy consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameter (suction power) based on the detected operation angle. When the optimal angle is detected, high suction power is applied for efficient debris recovery; when the angle deviates, suction power is reduced to conserve energy, directly addressing the contradiction between productivity and energy use
2Duration of action of moving object
If suction power is reduced to conserve energy, then battery life is extended, but debris and fluid recovery efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
A sensor provides feedback on the operation angle to the controller, which then adjusts suction power accordingly. This closed-loop feedback system ensures that suction power is optimized based on actual operating conditions, extending battery life while maintaining high efficiency when the cleaner is properly positioned
Solution Approach 2:
The suction operation alternates between high-power periodic bursts when optimal angle is detected and low-power states when it is not, creating a periodic action pattern that balances energy conservation with periodic high-efficiency cleaning intervals
3Device complexity
If operation angle is not monitored and controlled, then device complexity is reduced, but suction efficiency and cleaning performance deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaner performs self-adjustment of suction power based on self-detection of its own operation angle. The sensor and controller work together to automatically optimize performance without requiring external monitoring or manual intervention, achieving improved efficiency while adding minimal complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical angle adjustment mechanisms with an electronic sensing and control system. Instead of mechanically forcing the cleaner to maintain a specific angle, an electronic sensor detects the angle and electronically controls suction power, simplifying the overall system while improving efficiency
Data Source
AI summary
A handheld cleaner includes a housing that at least partially defines an air pathway and a suction nozzle that defines a nozzle inlet in communication with a suction pathway. The suction pathway is configured to extract at least one of debris or liquid from a surface to the air pathway. An exhaust defines an outlet to the air pathway. A suction source is in fluid communication with the suction nozzle via the suction pathway. The suction source is configured to generate a working air stream. An operation angle sensor is configured to detect an operation angle of the handheld cleaner relative to the surface. A controller is in electrical communication with the suction source and the operation angle sensor via an electrical pathway. The controller is configured to control an amount of suction generated by the suction source based on the detected operation angle.