Self-propelled work device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Self-propelled vacuum cleaners face issues with dirt contamination and inability to detect a partially open flap, limiting their susceptibility to dirt and operational efficiency.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating Hall sensors protected within the housing to monitor the pivoting position of the flap and stop button, utilizing magnets to detect magnetic field changes, allowing for the detection of any flap position, including partial opening, and integrating these sensors on a common circuit board for a compact design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a switch actuated by a bearing arm protruding into the housing interior is used to detect flap position, then the device structure is simple, but dirt can enter the housing through the opening and the switch cannot detect partially open positions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical switch system with a magnetic field-based detection system. Hall sensors mounted on the housing detect the position of magnets attached to the flap, eliminating the need for mechanical contact points that protrude into the housing interior. This substitution allows for non-contact detection of flap position while preventing dirt ingress through the housing opening.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces magnetic fields as an intermediary between the flap and the detection system. Magnets are mounted on the flap while Hall sensors remain protected inside the housing, allowing position detection through the housing wall without requiring openings or protruding mechanical elements. The magnetic field serves as the mediator that transmits position information across the housing boundary.
2Device complexity
If a switch actuated by a bearing arm is used to detect flap position, then the device structure is simple, but the detection precision for partial opening positions is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical switch system with a magnetic field-based detection system. Hall sensors mounted on the housing detect the position of magnets attached to the flap, eliminating the need for mechanical contact points that protrude into the housing interior. This substitution allows for non-contact detection of flap position while preventing dirt ingress through the housing opening.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection parameter from mechanical contact position to magnetic field strength and orientation. By monitoring changes in magnetic field characteristics as the flap moves, the system can precisely determine partial opening positions that would be undetectable with a simple mechanical switch.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If Hall sensors and magnets are used for non-contact detection, then the housing can be completely closed preventing dirt entry, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the Hall sensors serve multiple functions: detecting flap position, detecting stop button actuation, and potentially detecting other operational states. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate detection systems for each function, thereby limiting the increase in overall device complexity despite the adoption of magnetic field-based sensing.
4Volume of moving object
If multiple magnets and Hall sensors are arranged close together for compact design, then the overall device size is reduced, but signal interference between components may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different magnetic field characteristics to different detection locations. The first magnet on the flap and the second magnet on the stop button have different orientations and field strengths, creating locally distinct magnetic signatures. This allows the Hall sensors to differentiate between flap position and stop button actuation even when the components are in close proximity, preventing signal interference.
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 reliable detection of the flap's position, preventing dirt entry and ensuring the device remains closed, thus maintaining cleanliness and operational integrity by stopping the drive when the flap is not fully open.
Implementation Method 1
the pivoting position of the bearing section with respect to the housing is determined using a Hall sensor arranged in the housing. At least one magnet is arranged on the bearing section, whose magnetic field is detected by the Hall sensor. The pivoting of the magnet changes the alignment of the magnetic field and thus the field strength of the magnetic field of the magnet measured by the Hall sensor.
Implementation Method 2
The position of the stop button is advantageously monitored by a second Hall sensor arranged in the housing. At least one second magnet is advantageously held on the stop button, the magnetic field of which is detected by the second Hall sensor.
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~7
Figure 8~13
AI summary
A self-propelled working device has at least one travel drive (18) and a housing (9) on which at least one flap (5) is pivotably mounted. When closed, the flap (5) covers at least one control element (7, 8). The flap (5) has a bearing section (17) which is arranged in the area of a pivot axis (15) of the flap (5) and on which at least one pivot bearing (28) for the flap (5) is arranged. A first Hall sensor (22) is arranged in the housing (9) in order to be able to monitor the pivoted position of the flap (5) effectively. At least one first magnet (21) is arranged on the bearing section (17) of the flap (5), which rotates about the pivot axis (15) of the flap (5) when the flap (5) is pivoted and whose magnetic field is detected by the first Hall sensor (22 ) is detected.