Vacuum Cleaner Modular Power Assembly for Battery or Cord Reel

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vacuum cleaners are heavy due to the inclusion of both a battery and a cord reel, and have complex structures and increased manufacturing costs due to the need for an AC/DC switch and cord reel door detection sensors.

Innovation Solution

A vacuum cleaner design that allows for the selective installation of either a battery assembly or a cord reel assembly, with a controller that adjusts PWM duty for the inverter based on the installed assembly to optimize suction motor performance, eliminating the need for a switch and simplifying the structure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If both battery and cord reel are included in the vacuum cleaner, then the vacuum cleaner can operate in both DC and AC modes, but the weight of the vacuum cleaner increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower source optionsVSAvoidvacuum cleaner weight
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The power supply assembly is designed to universally accept both battery packs and cord reel assemblies through the same installation interface. The assembly housing contains electrical connectors that can interface with either power source type, allowing the vacuum cleaner to function with multiple power sources without requiring separate configurations or additional switching mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The controller extracts and detects the type of power source installed by identifying characteristic electrical parameters of the connected assembly. Based on this detection, the controller automatically configures the inverter and PWM duty cycle settings appropriate for the specific power source type, eliminating the need for manual AC/DC switching and reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Adaptability or versatility

If AC/DC switch and cord reel door detection sensor are added to switch between AC and DC modes, then the vacuum cleaner can operate in both modes, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower mode switchingVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-identification of the installed power source type through electrical parameter detection. The controller automatically determines whether a battery pack or cord reel assembly is installed by measuring voltage characteristics and current flow patterns, then autonomously configures the inverter settings and PWM duty cycles without requiring external switches or sensors.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The mechanical AC/DC switching mechanism and cord reel door detection sensor are replaced with an electrical detection system. The controller uses electrical parameter analysis to identify power source type and automatically adjust operating modes, substituting mechanical switching components with electronic control logic that reduces part count and simplifies the overall system architecture.

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

3Adaptability or versatility

If AC/DC switch and detection sensor are installed to enable mode switching, then the vacuum cleaner can operate in both AC and DC modes, but the manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedual power mode operationVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

A single power supply assembly design serves dual purposes by accommodating both battery packs and cord reel assemblies through unified mechanical and electrical interfaces. This universal design eliminates the need for separate AC and DC input circuits, reducing component count and manufacturing complexity while maintaining full functionality for both power source types.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

Expensive mechanical switching components and detection sensors are replaced with cost-effective electronic detection methods embedded in the controller. The controller uses existing electrical connection pathways to identify power source type through voltage and current characteristics, eliminating the need for additional sensors and switches while enabling dual mode operation.

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

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 design reduces the weight and manufacturing complexity of the vacuum cleaner, enhances user convenience by allowing power source selection based on cleaning needs, and maintains suction motor performance regardless of the power source type.

Implementation Method 1

an inverter configured to supply a voltage received from the assembly installed at the installing portion to the suction motor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectInversion (electrical):

Implementation Method 2

the controller increases a PWM (Pulse width modulation) duty for controlling the inverter

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPulse width modulation: Phase Modulation

Implementation Method 3

a suction motor configured to generate a suctioning force

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic conversion: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP3130270B1Vacuum cleaner
Publication Date: 2018.01.03 LG ELECTRONICS INC
  • EP3130270B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3130270B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3130270B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Provided is a vacuum cleaner 1. The vacuum cleaner 1 according to one aspect of the present invention includes a cleaner body 10 having a suction motor 160; a suctioning portion 21 configured to be in communication with the cleaner body 10 and to suction air and dust; an installing portion 102 provided at the cleaner body 10; a battery assembly 120 separably installed at the installing portion 102, and having a battery 122; a cord reel assembly 130 separably installed at the installing portion 102 to replace the battery assembly 120, and having a power cord 140; and a controller 150 configured to control the suction motor 160 based on the assembly 120, 130 installed at the installing portion 102.