Interchangeable Battery Pack for Cordless Vacuum Power Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Consumer devices like vacuum cleaners are limited by their dependence on corded AC power, making it difficult to develop portable and efficient cordless vacuum cleaners that can provide adequate suction force and compatibility across multiple devices with varying power requirements.
Innovation Solution
A cordless cleaning system featuring a rechargeable battery pack that is interchangeable among different devices, including stick vacuums, upright vacuums, and hand-held vacuums, with advanced control electronics for optimal power management and communication to ensure efficient operation and extended battery life.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a cordless vacuum cleaner uses a battery pack to eliminate corded AC power dependence, then portability is improved, but adequate suction force and operational duration are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by transitioning from AC-powered continuous operation to battery-powered operation with variable power levels. The system provides multiple power modes (e.g., eco, standard, boost) that adjust motor power consumption to match battery capacity, enabling adequate suction force while extending operational duration. This resolves the contradiction by optimizing the power parameter dynamically rather than using fixed high-power design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics through a battery management system that dynamically adjusts power delivery based on real-time battery state (charge level, temperature, age). The system modifies motor power requirements dynamically, allowing high suction force when battery is fully charged and adequate performance when partially charged, thus maintaining portability while adapting power output to preserve both suction force and operational duration.
2Reliability
If multiple cleaning devices use different power sources (battery for hand vacuum, corded for upright vacuum), then device-specific power requirements are met, but operational congruence and compatibility are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a standardized battery pack interface and communication protocol that works across multiple device types (handheld vacuums, stick vacuums, upright vacuums). The battery management system universally handles different power requirements through standardized voltage regulation and current control, enabling the same battery pack to reliably power various devices while maintaining operational congruence through consistent charging and status indication across the product line.
3Use of energy by moving object
If a battery pack operates continuously without power management, then immediate power availability is improved, but charge life and battery longevity are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback through a battery management system that continuously monitors battery state (voltage, current, temperature, charge cycles) and provides real-time feedback to control power delivery. The system adjusts discharge rates based on monitored parameters, reducing power output when temperature or voltage indicates stress conditions, thus preserving charge life while maintaining adequate immediate power availability for cleaning operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The battery management system applies self-service by autonomously regulating its own power output without external intervention. The system automatically adjusts discharge current, manages thermal conditions, and controls charging acceptance based on internal sensor data, enabling the battery pack to protect its own charge life while maintaining immediate power availability for the connected cleaning device.
4Duration of action of moving object
If a battery pack enters sleep mode to minimize power consumption during storage, then charge maintenance is improved, but wake-up response time is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by maintaining minimal standby power to battery management circuitry even during sleep mode, allowing the system to detect insertion events and begin wake-up sequences immediately. The system pre-conditions certain circuits to remain partially active, enabling rapid transition from sleep mode to full operation when a device is connected, thus minimizing wake-up response time while still achieving significant charge maintenance during storage periods.
Data Source
AI summary
A cordless, battery-powered system of cleaning products. The system of cleaning products includes devices such as upright vacuums (e.g., a stick vacuum, a lightweight upright vacuum, etc.), a hand-held vacuum, a carpet-cleaner, a canister vacuum, and the like. Each of the devices is powered by a battery pack which is interchangeable among the devices. The battery pack includes a combination of hardware and software for connecting to, identifying, and communicating with the cleaning products to ensure that each of the products receives the power necessary to ensure optimal performance.