Vacuum Cleaner Flow Control for Consistent Cleaning Noise
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vacuum cleaners face challenges in maintaining constant operating noise during cleaning, as suction power and noise levels fluctuate with different floor coverings and objects, leading to unpleasant noise variations.
Innovation Solution
A method where the flow rate generated by the suction fan is controlled based on the type of floor covering detected by an evaluation circuit, adjusting motor power to maintain a consistent flow value, thereby regulating noise levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the suction power is increased to improve cleaning performance on carpets and high-pile floors, then the cleaning effectiveness is improved, but the operating noise increases and becomes unpleasant
Solution Approach 1:
The vacuum cleaner implements dynamic power adjustment by automatically adapting the motor power to the detected floor covering type. The system transitions from static power levels to dynamic adaptation, switching between first power level for smooth floors and second power level for carpeted floors, thereby optimizing cleaning effectiveness while minimizing noise.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operating parameters (motor power, suction force) based on the detected floor covering type. By detecting whether the surface is smooth or carpeted and adjusting the power level accordingly, the system achieves optimal cleaning performance for each surface type while avoiding excessive noise on smooth floors.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a manual power controller is used to reduce noise on smooth floors, then the operating noise is reduced, but the cleaning effectiveness decreases and requires manual intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The vacuum cleaner system performs self-service by automatically detecting the floor covering type and adjusting its own power level without user intervention. The control unit autonomously switches between power levels based on sensor input, eliminating the need for manual power controller adjustment by the user.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback control by using sensors to detect floor covering type and feeding this information back to the control unit, which then adjusts the motor power accordingly. This closed-loop control ensures the appropriate power level is maintained for the current surface type.
3Productivity
If the flow rate is increased to maintain suction power on carpets, then the cleaning performance is improved, but the operating noise increases due to higher fan speed
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the flow rate and motor power based on floor covering detection. Instead of maintaining constant high flow rate, the system adapts the flow to the specific surface type, achieving necessary suction power for carpets while reducing flow and noise on smooth floors.
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 approach ensures a consistent operating noise level by differentiating between floor types and adjusting flow rates, reducing noise emissions during transitions and changes in cleaning conditions.
Implementation Method 1
the suction power is generated by a high-speed fan. This pushes the air out of the vacuum cleaner housing, so that outside air flows in at high speed on the opposite side as a result of the resulting negative pressure
Implementation Method 2
a pressure sensor is used in the airway, which reacts to changes in negative pressure as a result of any change in the amount of air conveyed
Data Source
Figure 1~2b
Figure 3~5
Figure 6~7
AI summary
In a process to operate a vacuum cleaner (1) with an extractor fan (2) powered by an electric motor (3), the motor speed is adjusted by a regulator (15). The motor power is adjusted by maintaining the volume of air throughput at a constant value. Further claimed is a commensurate vacuum cleaner.