Surface cleaning apparatus
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Surface cleaning apparatuses face a design dilemma between higher cleaning performance requiring more power, which reduces run time, and longer run time at the cost of reduced cleaning performance, necessitating a compromise based on consumer preferences.
Innovation Solution
A surface cleaning apparatus designed to operate in different modes based on the level of on-board power, enabling additional functionality with a second power pack that unlocks higher power modes, such as a higher air flow or brush motor operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If more power is provided to the surface cleaning apparatus (e.g., by increasing the number or capacity of batteries), then cleaning performance is improved, but run time is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic mode switching based on available power. The control system detects the power pack configuration and automatically adjusts operating modes: when a second power pack is detected, the system enables high-power modes (first operating mode) with higher airflow and brush motor speed; when only one power pack is available, it operates in energy-efficient modes (second operating mode) to extend run time. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by matching power consumption to available power supply.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters (airflow rate, brush motor speed, suction motor power) based on the detected power pack configuration. The control system modifies these parameters to optimize performance when dual power packs are available and to maximize efficiency when a single power pack is used, thereby resolving the power-performance-tradetime trade-off.
2Power
If a second power pack is added to provide higher power, then additional functionality is unlocked, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system automatically detects the power pack configuration and self-configures the operating modes without requiring user input. The system monitors power availability and autonomously switches between operating modes, enabling the user to simply attach power packs without needing to understand or configure complex settings. This self-service approach masks the underlying complexity while providing enhanced functionality.
3Productivity
If the suction motor operates at higher power levels, then air flow is increased, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The suction motor operates dynamically at different power levels based on detected power availability. When dual power packs are detected, the motor operates at high power levels to maximize airflow and cleaning productivity. When a single power pack is detected, the motor operates at reduced power levels to conserve energy and extend run time, thereby resolving the productivity-energy consumption contradiction.
Data Source
AI summary
A surface cleaning apparatus has a suction motor actuator that is actuatable to actuate the suction motor to operate in a low mode of operation and to operate in a high mode of operation. A first power pack provides a first level of on board power that is available to power the surface cleaning apparatus. A second power pack provides a second level of on board power is available to power the surface cleaning apparatus, the second level of on board power is greater than the first level of on board power. Each of the low and high modes of operation are enabled when the first power pack is provided to power the surface cleaning apparatus and when the second power pack is provided to power the surface cleaning apparatus. When the second power pack is provided to power the surface cleaning apparatus, an operating power level provided to the suction motor during at least one of the low and high modes of operation is increased.