Method of operating a base station for a cleaning device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing base stations for cleaning devices face challenges in efficiently determining the filling level of containers and preventing overfilling, which can lead to reduced suction power and potential damage, due to increasing flow resistance and decreased differential pressure.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing a single pressure sensor to measure differential pressure downstream of the container and blower, comparing it to a limit value to determine the filling level and automatically limiting extraction processes when the container reaches a predefined fill state, ensuring timely emptying and filter replacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple pressure sensors are used to determine filling level and volume flow, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple measurement functions (filling level determination and volume flow measurement) into a single pressure sensor system. By measuring differential pressure at different operational states and using evaluation logic to distinguish between filling level effects and volume flow effects, the system achieves dual functionality with one sensor, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The single pressure sensor is designed to perform multiple functions: determining filling level during extraction processes and measuring volume flow during cleaning processes. The evaluation unit universally processes pressure signals to derive different parameters based on the operational context, making the pressure sensor a multi-functional component that eliminates the need for separate sensors.
2Ease of operation
If differential pressure is used to determine filling level, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability decreases due to volume flow interference
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adapts its interpretation of differential pressure readings based on the operational state. During extraction processes, the evaluation unit interprets pressure changes primarily as filling level indicators. During cleaning processes, it recognizes that pressure variations are dominated by volume flow effects. This dynamic contextual interpretation maintains reliability by preventing misinterpretation of pressure signals under different operating conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from the operational context (extraction vs. cleaning mode) to adjust how differential pressure readings are interpreted. The control unit receives feedback about the current process type and uses this information to correctly attribute pressure variations to either filling level changes or volume flow changes, thereby maintaining reliable filling level determination despite the interfering volume flow effects during cleaning.
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 allows for reliable determination of the filling level and detection of malfunctions, preventing permanent operation with a full container and maintaining suction power, thus extending the life of the cleaning device and reducing the risk of contamination.
Implementation Method 1
the differential pressure to the surroundings downstream to the container (50G) is determined by means of a pressure sensor (10M) of the base station (10)
Data Source
AI summary
A method for operating a base station for a cleaning device is proposed, wherein exclusively by means of a pressure sensor and/or by means of a differential pressure the filling level of the container is determined as state of the base station and additionally at least one further state of the base station is determined and/or wherein on reaching a predefined filling level the maximum number of still possible extraction processes with-out emptying a container is limited.