Surface cleaning device with automated control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surface cleaning devices require continuous user activation, leading to inefficient operation and potential damage, as well as user fatigue, due to reliance on manual control of operating components like suction motors and liquid distribution systems.
Innovation Solution
A surface cleaner equipped with an accelerometer and controller that autonomously controls operating components such as suction motors, brushroll motors, and liquid distribution systems based on user-initiated movement, eliminating the need for continuous user interaction and optimizing operation based on direction and speed of movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If user continuously activates operating components via manual control, then cleaning operation can be maintained, but user fatigue increases and operation efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The surface cleaner is equipped with sensors that automatically detect surface conditions and autonomously adjust operating parameters of cleaning components without requiring continuous user intervention. The system serves itself by making real-time control decisions based on sensor feedback, eliminating the need for manual activation while maintaining optimal cleaning performance.
Solution Approach 2:
Manual mechanical control (user pressing buttons or triggers) is replaced with an automated electronic control system comprising sensors, processors, and actuators. The electronic system detects surface characteristics and automatically adjusts cleaning parameters, substituting the mechanical user-action-based control with an intelligent automated control mechanism.
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual control is used for adjusting cleaning parameters, then device complexity remains low, but cleaning performance may be suboptimal on different surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning device transitions from static manual adjustment to dynamic automated adjustment. Sensors continuously monitor surface conditions and the control system dynamically modifies operating parameters in real-time based on detected surface characteristics, enabling the device to adapt its behavior to match varying cleaning requirements across different surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
A feedback loop is established where sensors detect surface conditions, the processor analyzes the data, and actuators adjust cleaning parameters accordingly. This closed-loop control system continuously monitors and responds to surface variations, automatically optimizing cleaning performance without requiring user intervention or increasing apparent device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A surface cleaner is provided. The surface cleaner comprises: an operating component configured to perform a function of the surface cleaner; a base moveable along a surface; an accelerometer configured to generate a signal; and a controller in communication with the accelerometer and the operating component, wherein the controller is operable to control the operating component based on the signal, and wherein the operating component is selected from a group consisting of a suction motor operable to generate an airflow, a brushroll motor operable to drive a brushroll, an actuator operable to adjust a height of a brushroll from the surface, a pump operable to deliver a cleaning fluid, an actuator operable to control an airflow or fluid valve, and an indicator operable to indicate a parameter of the surface cleaner.