Surface cleaning apparatus and method of controlling flow rate for a surface cleaning apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for an improved surface cleaning apparatus that can send and receive data, providing consumers with more information and control over their cleaning devices, as existing systems lack advanced connectivity and adaptive operation capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A connected surface cleaning apparatus featuring a controller coupled with sensors that collect and transmit data to a remote computing device using wireless technology, allowing for real-time adjustments in cleaning fluid flow based on dirt sensor data and enabling remote monitoring and control of the cleaning process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the cleaning apparatus uses fixed preprogrammed control instructions, then the device complexity is reduced and ease of manufacture is improved, but the adaptability and user control are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The control system transitions from static preprogrammed instructions to dynamic adaptive control. The controller continuously receives feedback from sensors (dirt sensors, flow sensors) and automatically adjusts cleaning parameters (fluid flow rate, suction power, brush speed) in real-time based on detected conditions, enabling the system to adapt to varying cleaning requirements without manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements multiple feedback loops where sensors monitor cleaning conditions (surface dirtiness, fluid flow rate, tank liquid level) and feed this information back to the controller. The controller processes this feedback and automatically adjusts operational parameters to optimize cleaning performance. Remote computing devices also receive feedback data for user monitoring and manual override capabilities.
2Loss of information
If the apparatus continuously monitors and transmits cleaning data, then user control and information availability are improved, but energy consumption and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements selective data transmission rather than continuous transmission. The controller monitors all cleaning parameters continuously but only transmits relevant data to remote computing devices when significant events occur (e.g., tank full condition, error states, completion of cleaning cycle) or when explicitly requested by the user. This reduces unnecessary energy consumption while maintaining information availability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses wireless communication modules as intermediaries between the controller and remote computing devices. Data is buffered locally in the controller's memory and transmitted via wireless protocols (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth) only when needed, rather than maintaining continuous active communication connections. This intermediary approach minimizes energy consumption while preserving information access.
3Productivity
If the pump operates at high flow rate continuously, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but cleaning fluid consumption and energy use increase
Solution Approach 1:
The pump operates dynamically with variable flow rates controlled by a variable speed drive or pulse-width modulation (PWM). The controller adjusts the pump speed in real-time based on feedback from dirt sensors and flow sensors, increasing flow rate when heavy soil is detected and reducing it when surfaces are lightly soiled or already cleaned, thereby optimizing both cleaning effectiveness and fluid consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters (pump flow rate, pressure) based on detected cleaning conditions. The controller monitors dirt sensor readings and dynamically adjusts pump parameters to match the actual cleaning needs, rather than maintaining constant high flow rate. This parameter adaptation reduces unnecessary cleaning fluid consumption while maintaining effective cleaning performance.
Data Source
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AI summary
A surface cleaning apparatus includes a controller coupled to a sensor or a set of sensors that collects and transmits data to a remote computing device. The surface cleaning apparatus can use wireless or networking technology with a protocol for wireless communication with the remote computing device. The remote computing device is configured to identify an event at the surface cleaning apparatus and/or a change in the cycle of operation of the surface cleaning apparatus based on the transmitted data. Sensor data can be transmitted from the remote computing device to a different surface cleaning apparatus.