Vacuum Cleaner Proximity Detection for Dynamic Suction Power Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Battery-operated vacuum cleaners have limited run-time due to battery capacity, and increasing capacity leads to increased weight and discomfort, necessitating a method to enhance run-time without adding weight.
Innovation Solution
A vacuum cleaner with an extendable inlet nozzle and a proximity sensor that adjusts suction power based on the distance to the surface, switching between high and low power modes to conserve battery life, allowing the device to operate efficiently in both extended and non-extended nozzle positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If the battery capacity is increased to extend run-time, then the run-time is improved, but the weight increases making the vacuum cleaner difficult and uncomfortable to use
Solution Approach 1:
The suction device dynamically adjusts its power consumption based on real-time detection of proximity to surfaces. The controller modulates the motor speed and suction power according to the detected distance, enabling the vacuum to operate at low power when away from surfaces and high power when near surfaces, thereby extending battery run-time without increasing weight
Solution Approach 2:
The proximity sensor provides continuous feedback about the distance to surfaces, which the controller uses to automatically adjust the suction power. This closed-loop control system ensures the vacuum operates efficiently by matching power consumption to actual cleaning needs, resolving the contradiction between run-time and weight
2Productivity
If the suction power is maintained at high level continuously, then the cleaning performance is improved, but the battery consumption increases reducing run-time
Solution Approach 1:
The suction device transitions between different power states (low power mode and high power mode) based on proximity detection. When the proximity sensor detects a surface within threshold distance, the controller activates high power mode for effective cleaning; when away from surfaces, it switches to low power mode, optimizing the balance between cleaning performance and battery consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of the suction device (motor speed, power consumption) dynamically based on the detected distance to surfaces. The controller adjusts these parameters in real-time, allowing the vacuum to maintain high cleaning performance when needed while minimizing energy consumption during transit between cleaning locations
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 doubles the battery life of the vacuum cleaner by reducing suction power when not in use near a surface, enhancing user convenience and reducing noise, while maintaining effective cleaning performance.
Implementation Method 1
The infra-red sensor may be configured to emit a pulse of light and measure a time of flight of the light reflected from the surface
Implementation Method 2
The infra-red sensor may be configured to emit a pulse of light and measure the intensity of the light reflected from the surface
Data Source
Figure 1~1a
Figure 2~3
Figure 4a~4b
AI summary
A vacuum cleaner comprising: a suction device; an extendable inlet nozzle in fluid communication with the suction device, the extendable inlet nozzle being extendable from a first operable position to a second operable position; a proximity sensor for detecting a surface; and a controller configured to change the suction power of the suction device in dependence on a signal from the proximity sensor and in dependence on the position of the extendable inlet nozzle.