Vacuum cleaner
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Solution Overview
Problem
Handheld vacuum cleaners often suffer from user carelessness, leading to the floor nozzle contacting objects on the floor, which can damage the vacuum cleaner or the objects.
Innovation Solution
Equipping the handheld vacuum cleaner with at least one optical sensor on the floor nozzle to detect objects in the working direction, supported by a gyroscope sensor and artificial intelligence for object detection and categorization, to assist the user in safely guiding the vacuum cleaner.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the user manually guides the vacuum cleaner by the handle during cleaning, then the user has full control over the vacuum cleaner's movement, but the user may accidentally cause the floor nozzle to contact objects on the floor, leading to damage
Solution Approach 1:
The optical sensor performs preliminary detection of objects in the detection area before the floor nozzle can contact them. The system proactively identifies cables, items of clothing, small parts and liquids in advance, allowing the user to adjust their path before damage occurs
Solution Approach 2:
The optical sensor continuously provides feedback about objects in the detection area to the user, enabling real-time adjustment of the cleaning path. This feedback loop allows users to respond to detected objects and avoid potential damage while maintaining manual control
2Productivity
If the floor nozzle moves quickly over the floor surface to increase cleaning efficiency, then productivity increases, but the risk of contacting objects and causing damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The optical sensor detects objects in advance of the floor nozzle's path, providing early warning that allows the user to maintain higher speeds while still having time to react and avoid objects, thus preserving both productivity and reliability
3Measurement precision
If multiple optical sensors are provided to cover detection areas in front of and behind the floor nozzle, then object detection capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The optical sensor system is designed to perform multiple functions: detecting objects in front of the floor nozzle, detecting objects behind it, and providing comprehensive spatial awareness. This multi-functional approach maximizes the utility of the sensor system while managing complexity
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
The solution reduces the risk of damage by providing the user with real-time feedback on potential hazards, allowing for safer operation and preventing unwanted suction of objects.
Implementation Method 1
the floor nozzle has at least one optical sensor which is designed to detect a detection area in the working direction in front of and/or behind the floor nozzle
Implementation Method 2
The optical sensor can also be a ToF (Time of Flight) sensor, which covers a detection area in the direction of travel in front of and/or behind the floor nozzle
Implementation Method 3
the vacuum cleaner comprises at least one gyroscope sensor designed to detect the movement of the floor nozzle across the floor surface to be cleaned
Implementation Method 4
a blower for generating a negative pressure for absorbing dirt by means of a suction air flow via the floor nozzle
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The invention relates to a vacuum cleaner (1) for cleaning and maintaining floor surfaces (2), comprising a handle (3) for guiding the vacuum cleaner (1) during cleaning and maintaining the floor surfaces (2), a floor nozzle (4) for moving back and forth over the floor surface (2) to be cleaned in a processing direction (5), a fan for generating a negative pressure for absorbing dirt by means of a suction air flow via the floor nozzle (4), a separation system for cleaning the absorbed air of dirt, and a control device, wherein the floor nozzle (4) has at least one optical sensor (6) which is designed to detect a detection area (7) in the processing direction (5) in front of and/or behind the floor nozzle (4).