Self-Propelled Device Lid Position Detection Using Hall Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Self-propelled working devices, such as vacuum cleaners, face issues with soiling and inability to detect a partially open lid position, leading to potential dirt entry and operational inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating Hall sensors to monitor the pivot position of the lid, with magnets arranged on the bearing section to ensure contactless detection, allowing for the detection of any pivot position, including partial opening, and redundant sensors for reliability, along with a stop switch and detection device for obstacle detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a switch actuated by a hinged bracket is used to detect lid position, then the completely open position can be detected, but the switch cannot detect partially open positions and dirt can enter through the opening
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical switch actuated by a hinged bracket with a magnetic field-based detection system using Hall sensors and magnets. This substitution eliminates the need for mechanical contact and openings in the housing, preventing dirt entry while enabling precise detection of any lid position through contactless magnetic field measurement
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a magnetic field as an intermediary between the lid and the detection system. Magnets are mounted on the bearing section of the lid, and Hall sensors in the housing detect the magnetic field to determine lid position. This intermediary enables communication between the moving lid and stationary sensors without requiring physical contact or openings
2Reliability
If the Hall sensor is arranged inside the housing for protection, then the sensor is protected from soiling, but the spacing to the magnet on the pivoting lid must be minimized for effective detection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by mounting magnets specifically on the bearing section of the lid, which is the region closest to the Hall sensor arranged inside the housing. This localized placement ensures minimal spacing between the magnet and sensor while maintaining sensor protection, optimizing magnetic field detection effectiveness
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
The solution reduces susceptibility to soiling, enables precise detection of the lid's position, and ensures the device operates safely by switching off the propelling drive when the lid is not completely closed, preventing movement or tool operation.
Implementation Method 1
at least one first Hall sensor is arranged in the housing for monitoring the pivot position of the lid and on the bearing section of the lid at least one first magnet is arranged which rotates upon pivoting of the lid about the pivot axis of the lid and whose magnetic field is detected by the first Hall sensor
Data Source
AI summary
A self-propelled working device has a housing and an operating element arranged on the housing. A pivot bearing is arranged on the housing. A lid is pivotably arranged on the housing so as to pivot about a pivot axis of the lid, wherein the lid has a closed state in which the lid covers the operating element and an open state enabling access to the operating element. The lid has a bearing section interacting with the pivot bearing, wherein the bearing section and the pivot bearing define the pivot axis of the lid. A first Hall sensor is arranged in the housing and monitors a pivot position of the lid. A first magnet is arranged on the bearing section of the lid. The first magnet rotates when the lid pivots about the pivot axis and the magnetic field of the first magnet is detected by the first Hall sensor.