Surface cleaning apparatus and communication method
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional surface cleaning apparatuses require a separate communications line in addition to the power line to convey control signals from the user control to the surface cleaning portion, increasing manufacturing costs and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A powerline communication system that uses a DC battery-powered source to transmit control signals via pulse width modulation over the power line, eliminating the need for an additional communications line by integrating control signals into the power line itself.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate communications line is used in addition to the power line, then control signals can be conveyed from the user control to the surface cleaning portion, but the manufacturing cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the power line and communication line into a single integrated system. The power line carries both power delivery and bidirectional communication signals between the user control and surface cleaning portion, eliminating the need for separate communication wiring and reducing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The power line is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously: it delivers power from the power source to the surface cleaning portion while also enabling bidirectional communication for control signals and status feedback, making the single line universally functional for both power and data transmission
2Reliability
If a separate communications line is used in addition to the power line, then control signals can be conveyed from the user control to the surface cleaning portion, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the power line and communication line into a single integrated system. The power line carries both power delivery and bidirectional communication signals between the user control and surface cleaning portion, eliminating the need for separate communication wiring and reducing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The power line is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously: it delivers power from the power source to the surface cleaning portion while also enabling bidirectional communication for control signals and status feedback, making the single line universally functional for both power and data transmission
3Loss of information
If pulse width modulation is used to transmit control signals over the power line, then communication can be achieved without hampering power supply, but the power transmission must remain uninterrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs pulse width modulation (PWM) where control signals are transmitted as periodic pulses superimposed on the continuous power line voltage. The PWM technique encodes control information in the duty cycle of periodic pulses, allowing clear signal transmission while maintaining continuous power flow through the line
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the existing power line voltage as an intermediary carrier for communication signals. By modulating the power line voltage with PWM techniques, the system transmits control information through the power infrastructure itself without requiring separate communication channels or interrupting power delivery
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 approach reduces the cost and complexity of the surface cleaning apparatus by allowing uninterrupted power transmission while enabling effective communication and control of the surface cleaning apparatus components, maintaining efficient operation without hampering power supply to the surface cleaning portion.
Implementation Method 1
outputting a pulse width modulation signal along the power line to a controller during the outputting power
Data Source
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AI summary
A surface cleaning apparatus can include a user control (3, 75, 392) portion and a surface cleaning portion, with the surface cleaning portion positioned remotely or spaced from the user control (3, 75, 392) portion. The user control (3, 75, 392) portion can include a power source (4, 72, 72', 322). The surface cleaning portion can include a processor. The power source (4, 72, 72', 322) and the processor can be operably coupled by a power line (6, 68, 368).