Vacuum Cleaner Spark Detection Using Predictive Current Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electric vacuum cleaners face issues with misdetection and reliability in detecting sparks caused by friction between a commutator and a carbon brush, leading to incorrect stoppage of the blower and noise interference, and lack effective control mechanisms to prevent smoking and ignition.
Innovation Solution
The electric vacuum cleaner employs a spark detector that calculates the difference between previous and current current values, estimates a next value, and determines a spark occurrence when the difference between the estimated and measured values exceeds a predetermined value, stopping the blower operation and adjusting predetermined values based on operational phases and power supply voltage to prevent smoking and ignition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a predetermined spark determination level is used to detect sparks, then spark detection capability is improved, but misdetection occurs when the predetermined level is incorrect or does not contain tolerance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the spark determination level adjustable and adaptive rather than fixed. The control unit can modify the determination level based on operational conditions, allowing the system to adapt to varying spark characteristics during different operating phases, thereby reducing misdetection while maintaining detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of the determination level from a static predetermined value to a dynamic value that can be modified based on operational context. This parameter change allows the system to accommodate variations in spark intensity and duration under different operating conditions, improving both detection accuracy and reliability.
2Device complexity
If a fixed predetermined value is used for spark detection, then detection simplicity is improved, but normally operating electric blower may be inconveniently stopped due to high spark rate at activation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by implementing special control logic that anticipates the high spark rate during activation phase. The system prepares by setting appropriate determination levels or detection thresholds before activation occurs, allowing it to tolerate expected high spark rates during startup while still detecting abnormal sparks during stable operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the detection criteria dynamic by adjusting them based on the operational phase. During activation, the system uses more lenient criteria that accommodate high spark rates, while during stable operation, it uses stricter criteria for spark detection, thereby preventing unnecessary stoppage while maintaining safety.
3Measurement precision
If light detector is used to detect sparks, then detection capability is improved, but stability and reliability deteriorate when sparks producing large amount of light are reduced over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies feedback by continuously monitoring detection results and operational conditions, then adjusting the detection parameters accordingly. The system uses feedback from the operational phase and spark characteristics to dynamically adjust the determination level, ensuring reliable detection whether sparks are intense or subdued.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection parameters based on operational context. Instead of using a fixed light intensity threshold, the system adjusts the determination level according to the operational phase and observed spark characteristics, maintaining detection reliability whether sparks produce large or small amounts of light.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If spark detection stops the electric blower operation, then safety against smoking and ignition is improved, but lack of subsequent control reduces ease of use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies feedback by implementing a control system that continuously monitors after spark detection and stoppage. The system provides feedback to the user about the detection result and system state, and automatically manages the restart process based on whether subsequent sparks are detected, improving both safety and user convenience.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service by enabling the system to automatically manage the post-detection control process. After a spark is detected and the blower stopped, the system automatically prevents restart until the issue is resolved, eliminating the need for user intervention to prevent recurring hazards while maintaining ease of use through automatic safety management.
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
There is provided an electric vacuum cleaner which accurately determines a spark failure of an electric blower to prevent smoking and ignition from occurring in the electric blower. The electric vacuum cleaner 1 includes a spark detector 31 which detects a spark caused by the friction between a commutator 23 and a carbon brush 26 in the electric blower 10 which causes a suction negative pressure to act on a dust collecting chamber 7; and a control unit 32 which controls the electric blower 10 based on spark detection information from the spark detector 31. The spark detector 31 calculates a difference between a previous value and a most recent value of sampled values; estimates a next value from the difference; and when the difference between an estimated value and a measured value is greater than a predetermined value, the control unit 32 stops the operation of the electric blower 10.