Upright vacuum cleaner and system operable with AC and DC power sources

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vacuum cleaners that operate on both AC and DC power sources require costly current converting components like inverters or rectifiers, increasing manufacturing complexity and cost.

Innovation Solution

An upright vacuum cleaner design with an electrical connection interface that directly supplies AC or DC current to the motor based on the power source connected, eliminating the need for intervening converters by using a common electrical path for both types of currents.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If current converting components (inverters or rectifiers) are added to condition current supplied to the motor, then the vacuum cleaner can operate on both AC and DC power sources with standardized current conditioning, but the manufacturing cost and device complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower source compatibilityVSAvoidcurrent converting components

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The motor is designed as a universal motor capable of operating directly on both AC and DC current types without requiring current conversion. This multi-functional motor design eliminates the need for separate inverter or rectifier circuits, allowing the vacuum cleaner to accept both AC power sources and DC battery packs while reducing overall system complexity and manufacturing cost

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower source compatibilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The universal motor design allows a single motor unit to operate on both AC and DC power sources without requiring expensive current conversion components. This eliminates the need for manufacturers to produce and inventory multiple motor types or complex power conversion circuits, thereby reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining power source versatility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The solution extracts and removes the current converting components (inverters and rectifiers) from the system entirely. By using a motor that can directly accept both AC and DC input, the patent eliminates these unnecessary intermediate components, simplifying the bill of materials and reducing manufacturing expenses

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Device complexity

If a common electrical path is used to supply both AC and DC current directly to the motor, then the device complexity and manufacturing cost are reduced, but the motor must be capable of handling both current types simultaneously

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical path structureVSAvoidmotor current compatibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The motor is specifically designed as a universal motor with construction that allows it to function on both AC and DC current types. This multi-functional motor can be connected through a common electrical path without requiring separate circuitry for AC and DC inputs, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining the capability to handle both current types

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The electrical path structure merges the AC and DC input circuits into a single common pathway that connects both power sources to the motor. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate current conversion circuits and simplifies the overall electrical architecture, while the universal motor design ensures compatibility with both current types on this shared path

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 reduces manufacturing costs and complexity while enabling efficient operation on both AC and DC power sources without the need for costly converters, enhancing the vacuum cleaner's operational efficiency and usability.

Implementation Method 1

a motor, and a blower connected to the motor and operable to generate suction through the suction opening upon operation of the motor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS10413146B2Upright vacuum cleaner and system operable with AC and DC power sources

Publication Date: 2019.09.17 EMERSON ELECTRIC CO

AI summary

An upright vacuum cleaner includes a cleaning head having a suction opening defined along a bottom thereof, a handle assembly connected to the cleaning head, a motor, and a blower connected to the motor and operable to generate suction through the suction opening upon operation of the motor. The vacuum cleaner further includes an electrical connection interface selectively connectable to a direct current (DC) power source and an alternating current (AC) power source. The electrical connection interface is electrically connectable to the motor via an electrical path such that an AC current is supplied to the motor when the AC power source is connected to the electrical connection interface, and a DC current is supplied to the motor when the DC power source is connected to the electrical connection interface.