Vacuum Cleaner Single-Switch Mode Control for Simplified Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vacuum cleaners require users to operate multiple switches for different modes, which can be inconvenient, especially for handheld or stick-type models that require easy and simple operation.
Innovation Solution
A vacuum cleaner design that allows all operation modes to be controlled using a single switch, utilizing a first switch for power on/off and a second switch for mode changes, with processors managing the transitions between normal, turbo, and standby modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple switches are used for power control and mode selection, then the vacuum cleaner can have distinct control functions for power on/off and mode switching, but the user operation becomes complex and inconvenient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the power on/off control and mode switching functions into a single switch. When the switch is pressed once, it turns the vacuum cleaner on in normal mode. When pressed again during operation, it switches to turbo mode. This merging of functions eliminates the need for separate switches, directly resolving the contradiction by maintaining functional versatility while simplifying user operation to a single control element.
Solution Approach 2:
The single switch performs multiple functions: it serves as both the power on/off control and the mode switching control. The switch is universal in that it handles different operational states (off, normal mode, turbo mode) through a single interface, making the control system adaptable to various operational requirements while maintaining ease of use.
2Ease of operation
If a single switch controls all operations, then the user operation becomes simple and convenient, but the control function separation and reliability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit provides feedback to the switch based on the current operational state. The switch receives signals from the control unit about whether the vacuum cleaner is in off state, normal mode, or turbo mode, and adjusts its functionality accordingly. This feedback mechanism ensures that the single switch reliably distinguishes between different control intentions (power on vs. mode switching) based on context, maintaining control reliability while using a simplified interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The switch's function is dynamic rather than static. Its behavior changes depending on the current operational state of the vacuum cleaner. In the off state, pressing the switch initiates power-on sequence. In normal mode, pressing it switches to turbo mode. This dynamic functionality allows a single switch to reliably manage multiple operations by adapting its role to the current system state.
Data Source
AI summary
A vacuum cleaner is provided. The vacuum cleaner includes a motor configured to rotate at a speed of predetermined revolutions per minute (RPM) in a normal mode, a first switch configured to control a power on/off operation of the vacuum cleaner, a second switch configured to change an operation mode of the vacuum cleaner, a battery unit including a first processor configured to, based on the first switch being pressed, control a power of the vacuum cleaner to be turned on, and a second processor configured to, based on the power of the vacuum cleaner being turned on according to an operation of the first switch, control the vacuum cleaner to operate in the normal mode, and according to an operation of the second switch in the normal mode, control the vacuum cleaner to operate in a standby mode where power supplied to the motor is turned off.