Multi-Surface Wet Vacuum Self-Cleaning and Battery Charge Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multi-surface vacuum cleaners lack an efficient self-cleaning mechanism and battery charging management, particularly when docked for storage, which can lead to incomplete cleaning cycles and potential battery overcharging.
Innovation Solution
A multi-surface wet vacuum cleaner with a storage tray that enables self-cleaning and battery recharging, featuring a cleanout input control for initiating an automatic cleanout cycle, disabling battery charging during the cycle, and using a rechargeable battery powered by a battery charging circuit that is reactivated after the cycle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the vacuum cleaner is docked for battery recharging, then the battery can be recharged, but the self-cleaning function cannot be performed simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between charging mode and self-cleaning mode based on operational requirements. The controller enables the vacuum to perform self-cleaning by drawing fluid from the storage tray when docked, then automatically transitions to charging mode after the self-cleaning cycle completes, resolving the conflict between simultaneous charging and self-cleaning operations
Solution Approach 2:
The vacuum performs self-cleaning operations before battery charging when docked at the storage tray. By completing the self-cleaning cycle first (drawing cleaning fluid from the tray and processing it through the recovery system), the system ensures maintenance is accomplished before the charging process begins, preventing the tray fluid from being depleted during cleaning operations
2Reliability
If the cleanout cycle runs continuously, then thorough self-cleaning is achieved, but the battery may be overcharged or damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The self-cleaning operation is implemented as a periodic cycle with defined start and end points. The controller activates the cleanout cycle when docked, runs it for a predetermined duration or until completion criteria are met, then automatically shuts down and transitions to charging mode. This periodic structure ensures thorough cleaning while preventing battery overcharging by clearly separating the cleaning and charging phases
Solution Approach 2:
The controller monitors the state of the vacuum and storage tray system throughout operation. It detects when the cleanout cycle is complete and automatically transitions to charging mode, using feedback from sensors and system state to regulate the operation duration and prevent harmful overcharging conditions
3Productivity
If the storage tray fluid is used for self-cleaning, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but the fluid may be depleted during the process
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a controlled amount of storage tray fluid for self-cleaning operations, drawing only what is needed for the cleaning cycle rather than depleting the entire tray. The controller regulates fluid delivery to achieve effective cleaning while preserving sufficient fluid in the tray for subsequent operations, preventing complete depletion
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure provides a surface cleaning apparatus that includes a housing including a base adapted for movement across a surface to be cleaned, a fluid delivery system, and a recovery system. The surface cleaning apparatus can be configured to clean multiple surfaces, including hard and soft surfaces, and for different cleaning modes, including wet cleaning, dry vacuum cleaning, and self-cleaning. Methods for self-cleaning a surface cleaning apparatus are also provided.