Vacuum Cleaner Acceleration Sensor Soiling Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vacuum cleaners face challenges in cost-effectively sensing the degree of soiling during the cleaning process, with complex and expensive signal processing of piezoelectric dust sensors.
Innovation Solution
A vacuum cleaner equipped with acceleration sensors mounted on the suction duct, which detect dirt particles through mechanical interaction, allowing for automatic adjustment of suction power and display of soiling levels, utilizing 3D accelerometers and a control device for signal evaluation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If piezoelectric dust sensors are used to detect soiling levels, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex piezoelectric dust sensors with simple acceleration sensors that detect dirt particles through mechanical impacts. The acceleration sensor measures g-forces when dirt particles strike the sensor, providing a cost-effective and simple method to detect soiling levels without complex signal processing requirements.
2Productivity
If suction power is maintained at high levels for optimal cleaning performance, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment of suction power based on real-time soiling level detection. The control unit automatically modifies the suction power of the drive unit according to the detected degree of soiling, ensuring optimal cleaning performance while minimizing energy consumption by avoiding unnecessary high power operation on lightly soiled surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from the acceleration sensor to continuously monitor soiling levels and automatically adjusts suction power accordingly. This closed-loop control ensures the vacuum cleaner maintains optimal performance while adapting to changing cleaning conditions, thereby reducing overall energy consumption.
3Productivity
If high suction power is used continuously, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but noise level increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically adjusts suction power based on detected soiling levels, reducing noise by operating at lower power when high suction is not needed. The system maintains cleaning effectiveness by increasing power only when dirt particles are detected, thereby minimizing noise pollution during the cleaning process.
4Productivity
If high power operation is maintained, then cleaning performance is improved, but battery life decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic power management that adjusts suction power based on real-time soiling detection. By operating at lower power levels when dirt is not present and only increasing power when needed, the system extends battery life while maintaining effective cleaning performance throughout the battery charge cycle.
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
Enables cost-effective and accurate detection of soiling levels, leading to energy savings, reduced noise, and extended battery life by optimizing suction power based on soiling conditions.
Implementation Method 1
This utilizes a mechanical interaction whereby dirt particles "impact" a sensor element of the accelerometer during the cleaning process and are thus detected. Upon impact, the dirt particles transfer at least some of their kinetic energy to the accelerometer, which converts this energy into a corresponding acceleration signal.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a vacuum cleaner with an acceleration sensor (6a) and a control and/or regulating device which is set up and designed to evaluate acceleration signals from at least one spatial direction of the acceleration sensor (6a) as a function of time during a cleaning process of a substrate, to determine a degree of soiling of the substrate therefrom and to control and/or regulate a suction power as a function of the determined degree of soiling and/or to control and/or regulate a display of the vacuum cleaner in such a way that it displays the determined degree of soiling.