Vacuum cleaner and gravity compensation apparatus therefor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vacuum cleaners with gravity compensation mechanisms struggle to precisely compensate torque due to gravity on the handle unit, leading to increased user burden and operating force, especially when tilting, as the elastic torque from torsion springs varies with angle, making it difficult to design a standard that matches the gravity torque at all angles.
Innovation Solution
A vacuum cleaner with a gravity compensation apparatus that includes a static load spring, a control pulley system, and a weight balancing mechanism, which maintains the compensation force direction in line with gravity regardless of the handle unit's angle, using sensors and motors to adjust the compensation force and center of gravity to match the gravity torque, thereby reducing user effort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a torsion spring is used to compensate gravity torque on the handle unit, then the user burden is reduced to some extent, but the compensation precision deteriorates because the elastic torque varies with angle and cannot match gravity torque at every angle
Solution Approach 1:
The gravity compensation function is divided into multiple independent components: a first elastic member (torsion spring) for basic compensation and a second elastic member (spring element) for fine-tuning and angle-specific adjustment. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for different angular ranges, improving overall compensation precision while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a dynamic adjustment mechanism where the second elastic member can be selectively engaged or disengaged based on the handle unit's angle. This dynamic configuration allows the system to adapt the compensation force to match the varying gravity torque at different angles, achieving precise compensation throughout the full range of motion.
2Measurement precision
If the elastic member is designed to compensate gravity torque at all angles, then compensation precision improves, but the device complexity increases due to the difficulty of designing a standard that works at every angle
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of designing a single complex elastic member to handle all angles, the patent segments the compensation function into two simpler elastic members with distinct roles. The first handles general compensation while the second provides angle-specific adjustments, making the design process more manageable and the standards easier to establish for each component.
Solution Approach 2:
The second elastic member acts as an intermediary mechanism that bridges the gap between the basic compensation provided by the first elastic member and the precise gravity torque requirements at specific angles. This intermediary component simplifies the overall design by handling the complex angle-specific adjustments separately from the main compensation function.
3Device complexity
If a single elastic member is used for gravity compensation, then the device structure is simple, but the compensation precision deteriorates because the elastic torque cannot precisely match gravity torque at all angles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges two elastic members with different characteristics into a unified gravity compensation system. The first elastic member (torsion spring) and second elastic member (spring element) work together synergistically, combining their respective strengths to achieve precise compensation across all angles while maintaining relatively simple individual component designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The gravity compensation system uses a composite approach by combining two different types of elastic members (torsion spring and spring element) with distinct mechanical properties. This composite structure allows the system to leverage the advantages of each material type, achieving both structural simplicity and high compensation precision.
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 allows for precise compensation of torque due to gravity, reducing user burden and making it easier to design the elastic member, while enabling active operation in the intended direction by the user, thus lowering the operating force required.
Implementation Method 1
a gravity compensation apparatus for compensating torque due to gravity applied to the handle unit, comprising an elastic member having elasticity
Implementation Method 2
a moving pulley mounted in the sliding member to be moved with the sliding member
Implementation Method 3
a control motor and a control pulley connected to the elastic member, the control motor turning the control pulley
Implementation Method 4
a sliding member, on which the elastic member is mounted, to be movable in a length direction of the handle unit
Data Source
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AI summary
In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a cleaner includes a gravity compensation apparatus for applying compensation force to a handle unit, the gravity compensation apparatus having an elastic member connected to one side of the handle unit to generate compensation force and a sliding member for making translational movement in conjunction with turning motion of the handle unit to keep the compensation force in a constant direction regardless of an angle of the handle unit. The torque due to gravity applied to a handle unit of a vacuum cleaner may be precisely compensated, thereby relieving the burden of the user from the weight of the handle unit while the user holds the handle unit for cleaning.