Vacuum cleaner and method and device for detecting a motor driven brush type for a vacuum cleaner, method and device for operating a vacuum cleaner, motor-driven brush for a vacuum cleaner

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vacuum cleaners lack an effective method to identify and differentiate types of motor-driven brushes, which limits the ability to optimize cleaning performance based on the brush type, and also face challenges in enhancing electromagnetic compatibility without increasing costs or complexity.

Innovation Solution

A method and device that utilize a series connection of a motor and a signal modifier, where an excitation signal is provided to identify the brush type by analyzing the measurement signal's characteristics, such as step response, amplitude, and time profile, allowing for brush-specific control and improved electromagnetic compatibility through a cost-effective approach.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a vacuum cleaner uses a motor-driven brush without type identification, then the device complexity is reduced, but the cleaning performance cannot be optimized based on brush type

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecleaning performance optimizationVSAvoidbrush type identification system
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The brush assembly performs self-identification by utilizing its own motor's electrical characteristics (inductance, resistance, back-EMF) to generate unique identification signals. The control unit reads these inherent electrical properties during motor operation or idle state to automatically determine brush type, eliminating the need for external sensors or manual input devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system identifies brush type by measuring electrical parameters (inductance L, resistance R, back-EMF constant) of the brush motor. Different brush types have distinct electrical characteristics due to variations in motor design, winding configuration, or gear ratios. The control unit compares measured parameters against stored reference values to identify the specific brush type and optimize cleaning parameters accordingly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If additional components are added to identify brush type, then the measurement precision of brush type detection is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebrush type detection accuracyVSAvoiddetection system components
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The brush assembly performs self-identification by utilizing its own motor's electrical characteristics (inductance, resistance, back-EMF) to generate unique identification signals. The control unit reads these inherent electrical properties during motor operation or idle state to automatically determine brush type, eliminating the need for external sensors or manual input devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces mechanical identification methods (such as physical tags, switches, or mechanical sensors) with electrical measurement techniques. By measuring electrical parameters like inductance, resistance, and back-EMF, the system achieves precise brush type detection without adding mechanical complexity or external sensing components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If the vacuum cleaner lacks electromagnetic compatibility measures, then the device complexity is reduced, but harmful electromagnetic interference increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectromagnetic interferenceVSAvoidelectromagnetic compatibility measures
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the potentially harmful electromagnetic emissions from the brush motor into useful identification signals. By measuring the back-EMF and inductance characteristics of the motor, the system generates unique electrical fingerprints that identify brush type while simultaneously suppressing electromagnetic interference through proper signal conditioning and filtering in the measurement circuitry.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

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 accurate identification and control of motor-driven brushes, enhancing cleaning performance and electromagnetic compatibility by distinguishing between different brush types using a simple and cost-effective series connection of a motor and coil, reducing the need for additional components and minimizing losses.

Implementation Method 1

the inductance of the signal modifier can also increase electromagnetic compatibility of the brush and thus of the vacuum cleaner

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic inductance: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP3643215B1Vacuum cleaner and method and device for detecting a motor driven brush type for a vacuum cleaner, method and device for operating a vacuum cleaner, motor-driven brush for a vacuum cleaner
Publication Date: 2022.06.22 MIELE & CO KG
  • EP3643215B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3643215B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3643215B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for identifying the type of motor-driven brush (105) for a vacuum cleaner (100). The brush (105) comprises a first electrical contact (115), a second electrical contact (120), and a series and/or parallel circuit consisting of at least one signal modifier (125) and a motor (130) connected between the first electrical contact (115) and the second electrical contact (120). The method (700) includes a provision step, a reading step, a determination step, and a detection step. In the provision step, an excitation signal (150) with an excitation characteristic is provided to an interface to the first contact (115). In the reading step, a measurement signal (155) is read at an interface to the second contact (120).In the determination step, a characteristic signal (160) indicating a characteristic of the measurement signal (155) is determined, and in the identification step, the type of brush (105) is determined using the characteristic signal (160).