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, especially when transitioning between different surfaces or during prolonged use.
Innovation Solution
A surface cleaner equipped with an accelerometer and controller that automatically 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 adjusting settings automatically for different surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If user directly activates operating components via buttons or triggers, then control is achieved, but user fatigue occurs during prolonged use and inefficient operation results
Solution Approach 1:
The surface cleaner automatically controls operating components based on accelerometer signals detecting user-initiated movement, eliminating the need for continuous manual activation of buttons or triggers. The device serves itself by interpreting movement data and autonomously adjusting cleaning functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical user interaction (buttons, triggers) with an automated sensor-based control system. The accelerometer detects movement and sends signals to the controller, which then actuates operating components, substituting manual mechanical control with an automated electromechanical system.
2Reliability
If user continuously activates operating components, then cleaning function is maintained, but potential damage to surface occurs and operation becomes inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The accelerometer provides continuous feedback about device movement to the controller. The controller uses this feedback to automatically adjust operating components, ensuring cleaning functions are activated only when needed (during forward movement) and deactivated when not needed (during reverse movement or stopping), preventing surface damage while maintaining efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system dynamically adjusts operating components based on real-time movement detection. The system transitions between active and inactive states according to the direction and nature of movement, optimizing cleaning performance while preventing damage from inappropriate activation.
3Productivity
If automated control is implemented using accelerometer and controller, then user fatigue is reduced and operation efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The accelerometer serves as an intermediary between user movement and the control system. It converts physical movement into electrical signals that the controller can process, simplifying the overall control architecture by introducing a dedicated sensor component that bridges the gap between mechanical movement and electronic control.
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
Enhances operational efficiency by reducing user fatigue and preventing damage, allowing for seamless transitions between surfaces without manual adjustments, ensuring consistent cleaning performance.
Implementation Method 1
an accelerometer configured to generate a signal
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.