Upright Vacuum Cleaner Microswitch and Capacitor for Filter Detection

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Upright vacuum cleaners lack a mechanism to prevent operation without a removable filter assembly attached, and existing solutions do not adequately protect switches from voltage transients, especially when powered by batteries.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a microswitch connected to the blower to ensure operation only when the filter assembly is connected, and a capacitor to protect the switch from voltage transients by snubbing high voltage pulses.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a switch is added to detect filter assembly connection, then the vacuum cleaner can be prevented from operating without a filter, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefilter connection reliabilityVSAvoidswitch and circuit complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the switch function from the main vacuum cleaner body and integrates it directly into the filter assembly. The microswitch is embedded within the filter assembly structure itself, allowing the filter connection status to be detected through a simple mechanical interface on the filter mount, thereby adding the detection function without significantly increasing overall device complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a capacitor as an intermediary component between the motor assembly and the microswitch. This capacitor acts as a voltage transient suppressor that protects the microswitch from voltage spikes generated by the motor, allowing the switch to operate reliably without requiring complex protection circuits

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If a microswitch is added to detect filter assembly, then operation can be prevented without filter, but the switch is vulnerable to voltage transients from the motor

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveswitch detection reliabilityVSAvoidvoltage transient damage to switch

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies beforehand cushioning by placing a capacitor in parallel with the microswitch before voltage transients can reach it. The capacitor is pre-positioned in the circuit between the motor assembly and the microswitch, ready to absorb and dissipate voltage spikes generated by motor operation, thereby protecting the microswitch from damage before the harmful voltage transients can affect it

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

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

Prevents the vacuum cleaner from operating without a filter assembly, ensuring proper filtration and extends the life of the microswitch by shielding it from voltage fluctuations, particularly beneficial in battery-powered models.

Implementation Method 1

A capacitor is operatively connected to the motor assembly to protect the switch from voltage transients

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapacitance: Capacitance

Data Source

PatentUS11185202B2Upright vacuum cleaner having microswitch and filter assembly

Publication Date: 2021.11.30 EMERSON ELECTRIC CO

AI summary

Upright vacuum cleaners that include a switch that detects whether a removable filter assembly has been connected to the vacuum cleaner are disclosed. In some embodiments, the upright vacuum cleaner includes a capacitor for protecting the switch from voltage transients.