Triggerless Surface Cleaner with Accelerometer-Based Automated Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surface cleaning devices rely on user interaction to control operating components, leading to inefficient operation and potential damage to surfaces, as well as user fatigue from prolonged use.
Innovation Solution
A surface cleaner with a base movable along a surface, a suction source, an encoder to detect user-initiated movement, and a controller that adjusts power levels and operational parameters independently of user interaction, allowing for automatic control of suction, fluid distribution, and brush height based on movement direction and speed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If user interaction is required to control operating components, then the device can be operated manually, but user fatigue occurs and operation efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The surface cleaner automatically controls the brushroll height adjustment mechanism based on detected surface conditions without requiring continuous user input. The system self-regulates the brushroll position to maintain optimal cleaning contact, eliminating the need for users to manually adjust settings during operation and thereby reducing user fatigue while maintaining productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical control with an automated control system that uses sensors to detect surface conditions and electronically controls the brushroll height adjustment mechanism. This substitution of mechanical user interaction with an automated sensing and control system improves ease of operation while maintaining cleaning effectiveness
2Device complexity
If manual control is used for brushroll height adjustment, then the device structure can be simple, but surface damage may occur due to improper adjustment
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates sensors that continuously monitor surface conditions and provide feedback to the control mechanism. Based on this feedback, the brushroll height is automatically adjusted to maintain optimal contact pressure, preventing both excessive pressure that could damage surfaces and insufficient pressure that would reduce cleaning effectiveness. This closed-loop feedback system protects surfaces while maintaining simple device structure
Solution Approach 2:
The automated height adjustment mechanism serves itself by automatically regulating brushroll position based on detected surface conditions, eliminating the need for complex manual control mechanisms while preventing surface damage through intelligent self-regulation of cleaning contact
3Productivity
If automated control is implemented based on movement detection, then operation efficiency improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex manual control operations with a relatively simple automated system that uses movement sensors and electronic control to adjust brushroll height and control fluid distribution. This substitution achieves improved operation efficiency through automation while keeping the added complexity minimal by using straightforward sensing and actuation mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically adjusts operational parameters such as brushroll height and fluid distribution based on detected movement and surface conditions. By dynamically changing these parameters in response to sensor input, the system improves operation efficiency without requiring complex control logic, as the adjustments are based on straightforward parameter modifications rather than complex decision-making algorithms
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.