Power control method for a motor of an air-moving device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air-moving devices, such as vacuum cleaners, face challenges in efficiently controlling motor input power due to varying inlet restrictions without direct measurement, which affects performance and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A method to control motor input power by determining the inlet restriction based on measurable operating parameters like pressure and airflow rate, using a single pressure sensor to measure ambient and motor-inlet pressures, and compensating for further parameters like ambient conditions and filter loading, allowing dynamic power adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If inlet restriction is not directly measured, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision of inlet restriction deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses operating parameters (pressure, airflow rate) as intermediary measurements to infer inlet restriction indirectly. Instead of directly measuring inlet restriction, the system measures easily obtainable operating parameters and uses pre-determined relationships to calculate the inlet restriction value, thus avoiding direct measurement complexity while maintaining acceptable precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces direct mechanical measurement of inlet restriction with computational determination based on operating parameters. The system substitutes physical direct measurement with a computational approach using pre-determined relationships between operating parameters and inlet restriction, reducing hardware complexity while providing sufficient measurement accuracy
2Use of energy by moving object
If motor input power is not dynamically controlled, then device complexity is reduced, but use of energy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic motor input power control by continuously determining inlet restriction values and adjusting power accordingly. The system transitions from static power control to dynamic adaptation based on real-time operating conditions, optimizing energy consumption while maintaining effective task performance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent establishes a feedback control loop where operating parameters are continuously measured, inlet restriction is determined, and motor input power is adjusted based on the determined values. This closed-loop feedback mechanism enables adaptive energy optimization while maintaining system effectiveness across varying operating conditions
3Measurement precision
If additional sensors are added to directly measure inlet restriction, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes existing sensors serve multiple functions: pressure sensors originally designed for other purposes are utilized to determine operating parameters that subsequently reveal inlet restriction. This multi-functional use of existing sensors provides inlet restriction information without requiring dedicated measurement hardware, avoiding additional complexity while maintaining measurement capability
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses its own operating parameters (pressure, airflow rate) that are already being measured for other purposes to self-determine inlet restriction. The device leverages its existing operational data to provide additional measurement information without external assistance or additional sensors,实现ing self-service measurement
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
Enables efficient and reliable power control that adapts to changing inlet restrictions without additional sensors, improving device performance and reducing energy consumption.
Implementation Method 1
an ambient pressure measurement; and a motor-inlet pressure measurement during operation of the motor
Data Source
AI summary
A method to control an input power of a motor of an air-moving device that includes performing a measurement process to determine a first value of an operating parameter of the motor. The operating parameter is an operating pressure of the motor or an airflow rate through the motor. The method includes performing a determination process to determine a value of the inlet restriction of the air-moving device, based on the first value of the operating parameter of the motor and a first pre-determined relationship between values of the operating parameter of the motor and values of an inlet restriction of the air-moving device. The method also includes controlling, based on the determined value of the inlet restriction, the input power of the motor.