Surface Cleaning Apparatus with Capacitor-Based Rapid Recharging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional surface cleaning apparatuses with battery-powered vacuum cleaners require lengthy recharging times, often taking several hours, which disrupts continuous cleaning sessions, and the batteries may degrade over time, necessitating frequent replacements.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an on-board energy storage member, such as an ultra-capacitor, in the surface cleaning apparatus that allows for rapid recharging, enabling the apparatus to be used continuously without downtime, as the energy storage member can recharge the capacitor multiple times within a short period, even when connected to a stationary power source.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If a battery-powered vacuum cleaner is used, then the device can operate cordlessly with good portability, but the recharging time is lengthy (several hours) which disrupts continuous cleaning sessions
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the energy storage function into two separate components: a battery in the floor cleaning unit for extended operation and a capacitor in the portable surface cleaning unit for rapid recharging. This segmentation allows each component to optimize for its specific function, resolving the contradiction between long duration and fast recharging.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines a battery-powered floor cleaning unit with a capacitor-powered portable surface cleaning unit into a single integrated system. The floor cleaning unit charges the portable unit's capacitor when connected, enabling rapid recharging without external power sources and eliminating downtime between cleaning sessions.
2Reliability
If a battery is used for power storage, then the device can operate portably, but the battery degrades over time necessitating frequent replacements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the energy storage parameter from battery-only to a hybrid battery-capacitor system. The capacitor in the portable unit has significantly longer cycle life and does not degrade like batteries, reducing replacement frequency while maintaining portable operation capability.
3Speed
If a charger with on-board energy storage member is used, then the external energy storage member can be recharged quickly (at a rate of 2°C or more), but the charger requires its own energy storage capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the energy storage capacity between the floor cleaning unit (battery) and portable unit (capacitor). The floor unit's battery serves as the charger's energy storage, eliminating the need for a separate on-board energy storage member in the portable unit while enabling fast recharging at rates of 2°C or more.
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
This solution allows for uninterrupted cleaning sessions, as the energy storage member can recharge the capacitor quickly, reducing the need for long recharging times and extending the lifespan of the cleaning apparatus by minimizing battery replacements.
Implementation Method 1
the energy storage member in the charger may be used to charge the energy storage member of the surface cleaning apparatus
Implementation Method 2
the portable surface cleaning unit comprising a portable surface cleaning unit air inlet connectable in air flow communication with the floor cleaning unit air outlet, a main body, an air treatment member, a suction motor, a handle and a capacitor
Data Source
AI summary
A surface cleaning apparatus includes a floor cleaning unit and a portable surface cleaning unit. The floor cleaning unit includes a surface cleaning head and an upper section moveably mounted to the surface cleaning head between an upright storage position and a rearwardly inclined floor cleaning position. The portable surface cleaning unit is connectable to the floor cleaning unit, and includes a portable surface cleaning unit air inlet connectable in air flow communication with the floor cleaning unit, a main body, an air treatment member, a suction motor, a handle and a capacitor. A remote charger is provided wherein the capacitor is rechargeable at a rate of at least 4 C.