Vacuum cleaner and system operable with AC and DC power sources

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

A vacuum cleaner design with a power connector that allows selective connection to both AC and DC power sources, using a common electrical path to supply the motor with AC or DC current without intervening converters, reducing manufacturing complexity and cost.

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 regulated current, 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 to function universally with both AC and DC power sources without requiring separate converting components. The motor structure incorporates features that allow it to accept either AC or DC input directly, making the power conversion function unnecessary and simplifying the overall device architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The solution extracts and removes the current converting components (inverters or rectifiers) from the system. By eliminating these intermediate components, the patent achieves dual power source compatibility through a more direct and simpler configuration where the motor connects directly to either AC or DC power sources.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Adaptability 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 regulated current, but the manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower source compatibilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The motor is designed to function universally with both AC and DC power sources without requiring separate converting components. The motor structure incorporates features that allow it to accept either AC or DC input directly, making the power conversion function unnecessary and simplifying the overall device architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a simpler, more cost-effective motor design that accepts both AC and DC inputs directly without expensive converting components. This approach uses readily available motor technology that can handle both power types, reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Ease of operation

If the same type of current is supplied to the motor regardless of the power source connected, then the motor operation is standardized, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase due to current converting components

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemotor operation standardizationVSAvoidcurrent converting components

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The motor is designed to function universally with both AC and DC power sources without requiring separate converting components. The motor structure incorporates features that allow it to accept either AC or DC input directly, making the power conversion function unnecessary and simplifying the overall device architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

The solution enables efficient operation of vacuum cleaners on both AC and DC power sources without the need for costly converters, simplifying manufacturing and potentially reducing the overall cost and weight of the device.

Implementation Method 1

an impeller connected to the motor and operable to generate suction through the suction inlet upon operation of the motor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectImpeller: Impeller

Data Source

PatentUS11510540B2Vacuum cleaner and system operable with AC and DC power sources

Publication Date: 2022.11.29 EMERSON ELECTRIC CO

AI summary

A vacuum cleaner includes a suction inlet, a motor, and an impeller connected to the motor and operable to generate suction through the suction inlet upon operation of the motor. The vacuum cleaner further includes a power connector mounted to the vacuum cleaner and selectively connectable to a direct current (DC) power source and an alternating current (AC) power source. The power connector includes external terminals accessible from an exterior of the vacuum cleaner. The external terminals are configured for removable mechanical connection to each of the DC power source and an AC power supply cord such that the DC power source and the AC power supply cord are selectively and mechanically connectable to the same external power connector terminals.