Vacuum Cleaner Sensor-Based Motor Control to Reduce User Fatigue

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional vacuum cleaners require users to continuously depress a physical trigger switch, leading to user discomfort during extended cleaning sessions and potential battery depletion, especially in stick vacuum cleaners.

Innovation Solution

Integration of time-of-flight sensors and capacitive sensors with a controller to automatically activate and deactivate the vacuum motor based on user interaction, eliminating the need for a physical trigger switch by determining proximity to objects and grip on the handle.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a physical trigger switch is used to activate the vacuum motor, then the vacuum cleaner can be controlled to turn on and off, but the user experiences discomfort and fatigue during extended cleaning sessions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser comfortVSAvoidcontrol mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical trigger switch with an automated sensor-based control system. Time-of-flight sensors detect the presence of objects or surfaces, and capacitive sensors detect user grip on the handle, automatically activating or deactivating the vacuum motor without requiring continuous manual trigger depression.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The vacuum cleaner system monitors its own operational context through sensors and automatically adjusts its state (on/off) based on detected conditions. The system serves itself by making control decisions without continuous human intervention, reducing user fatigue while maintaining appropriate operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Productivity

If the vacuum motor is activated continuously during extended cleaning sessions, then cleaning coverage is improved, but battery power is depleted unnecessarily

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning coverageVSAvoidbattery power consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses sensor feedback (time-of-flight and capacitive sensors) to continuously monitor operational conditions and adjust motor activation accordingly. The controller processes sensor signals to determine when the vacuum cleaner is actively being used versus when it is merely being transported or stored, activating the motor only when cleaning is actually occurring.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The vacuum motor's operational state is dynamically adjusted based on real-time sensor input rather than remaining static (continuously on or off). The system transitions between active and inactive states based on detected user interaction and environmental conditions, optimizing power consumption while maintaining cleaning effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If automated sensor-based control is implemented to eliminate the physical trigger switch, then user comfort is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehands-free operationVSAvoidsensor and control system

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor system serves multiple functions: time-of-flight sensors detect both user presence and proximity to cleaning surfaces, while capacitive sensors detect user grip. This multi-functional approach consolidates what would otherwise require separate control mechanisms, reducing overall system complexity despite the automation features.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

Enhances user comfort and convenience by allowing hands-free operation of the vacuum cleaner, conserving battery power and reducing user fatigue during cleaning sessions.

Implementation Method 1

one or more time of flight sensors configured to generate first sensor signals dependent on the proximity of an object to the one or more time of flight sensors

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTime of flight: Time of Flight

Implementation Method 2

a capacitive sensor located in proximity to a handle of the vacuum cleaner and configured to generate second sensor signals dependent on whether a user is gripping the handle

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapacitance: Capacitance

Data Source

PatentUS20230263347A1Vacuum cleaner

Publication Date: 2023.08.24 DYSON TECH LTD

AI summary

A vacuum cleaner includes: a vacuum motor; one or more time of flight sensors configured to generate first sensor signals dependent on the proximity of an object to the one or more time of flight sensors; a capacitive sensor located in proximity to a handle of the vacuum cleaner and configured to generate second sensor signals dependent on whether a user is gripping the handle; and a controller configured to: process the generated first and second sensor signals to determine whether the vacuum cleaner is actively being used by the user; and in response to determining that the vacuum cleaner is actively being used, activate the vacuum motor.