Method for adjusting the power of a vacuum cleaner fan, regulating device for implementing the method and vacuum cleaner with such a regulating device

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for adjusting the power of a vacuum cleaner fan using a vacuum switch with a single switching point rely on iterative approximation of the switching point, which can result in oscillations around the operating point and require costly analog sensors.

Innovation Solution

A method that filters the signal tapped above the vacuum switch, using low-pass filtering to generate a proportional signal for adjusting blower power, allowing a single switching point vacuum switch to function like an analog sensor, thereby providing more reliable control without oscillations and reducing costs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If a vacuum switch with a single switching point is used to adjust fan power, then cost is reduced, but control reliability deteriorates due to oscillations around the operating point

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovecostVSAvoidcontrol reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A filter is introduced as an intermediary component between the vacuum switch and the control device. The filter processes the switching signal to eliminate oscillations, allowing the single switching point vacuum switch to provide reliable control without the harmful oscillatory behavior that would otherwise occur around the operating point

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces expensive analog vacuum sensors with inexpensive vacuum switches that have a single switching point. By combining these low-cost switches with a simple filter, the system achieves reliable control at a fraction of the cost of analog sensor solutions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

2Measurement precision

If an analog vacuum sensor is used to measure negative pressure, then measurement precision is improved, but cost increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenegative pressure measurement precisionVSAvoidcost
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a functional copy of analog sensor behavior using a vacuum switch with a single switching point combined with a filter. The filtered switching signal reproduces the continuous measurement capability of analog sensors, providing equivalent measurement precision for control purposes without the high cost of actual analog vacuum sensors

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

3Manufacturing precision

If iterative approximation of the switching point is used, then the operating point can be approached, but system oscillations occur and control becomes complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperating point accuracyVSAvoidcontrol complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The filter serves as a mediator that eliminates the need for complex iterative approximation algorithms. By filtering the switching signal, the system directly achieves stable operating point control without requiring iterative adjustments or complex control logic, simplifying both the control software and overall system design

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 approach enables reliable control of vacuum cleaner fan power using inexpensive vacuum switches, mimicking the functionality of expensive analog sensors, and eliminates system-related oscillations, providing precise power adjustment.

Implementation Method 1

A method that filters the signal tapped above the vacuum switch, using low-pass filtering to generate a proportional signal for adjusting blower power

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLow-pass filtering: Filter (electronic)

Data Source

PatentEP2781179B1Method for adjusting the power of a vacuum cleaner fan, regulating device for implementing the method and vacuum cleaner with such a regulating device
Publication Date: 2019.12.18 MIELE & CO KG
  • EP2781179B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2781179B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2781179B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The method involves tapping off a signal through a vacuum switch (24) with a single switching point. The tapped off signal is low-pass filtered to obtain a resulting signal. A measure is determined for vacuum pressure generated by a vacuum cleaner fan of a vacuum cleaner. Power of the vacuum cleaner fan is adjusted by using an electronic control system by a manipulated variable as a controlled variable depending on the pressure generated by the fan. The resulting signal is used as a actual value for the pressure and as the controlled variable for adjustment the fan power. Independent claims are also included for the following: (1) an electronic control system for a vacuum cleaner (2) a vacuum cleaner.