Vacuum Cleaner Fan Control for Nozzle-Off Energy and Noise Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vacuum cleaners consume excessive energy and generate noise when not in use, particularly when the floor nozzle is removed, as the suction fan continues to operate at maximum power without producing suction power, leading to inefficient energy use and unnecessary noise.
Innovation Solution
A vacuum cleaner with a drive unit control system that detects changes in volume flow and negative pressure to identify non-use situations, reducing electrical power consumption by comparing these measurements with predefined thresholds, and implementing an automatic start-stop function to minimize energy usage and noise.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the suction fan operates at maximum power continuously, then the suction power is maintained, but the energy consumption increases unnecessarily when the floor nozzle is not in use
Solution Approach 1:
The control device receives feedback signals from sensors detecting the presence or absence of the floor nozzle, and automatically adjusts the suction fan power accordingly. When the floor nozzle is detected as absent, the control device reduces power to a lower level; when present, it restores maximum power, eliminating unnecessary energy consumption while maintaining suction power when needed
Solution Approach 2:
The suction fan operates with variable power levels rather than a fixed maximum setting. The system dynamically transitions between at least two different power levels based on operational conditions, allowing the fan to adapt its performance to actual usage requirements and avoid continuous high-energy operation
2Power
If the suction fan operates at maximum power continuously, then the suction performance is maintained, but noise generation continues during non-use periods
Solution Approach 1:
The control device monitors the operational status through sensor feedback and automatically adjusts the suction fan power level. When the floor nozzle is detected as absent, the system reduces power to a lower level, thereby eliminating unnecessary noise generation during non-use periods while maintaining quiet operation capability
Solution Approach 2:
The suction fan operates with variable power levels rather than continuous maximum operation. The system dynamically transitions between at least two different power levels based on detected usage conditions, allowing noise reduction during non-use while maintaining high-power capability when needed
3Use of energy by moving object
If pressure measurement values are used to detect non-use situations, then energy consumption can be reduced, but the detection accuracy may be insufficient to reliably distinguish between use and non-use states
Solution Approach 1:
The detection system is segmented into multiple independent sensors that measure different physical quantities related to floor nozzle presence. Instead of relying on a single pressure measurement, the system uses multiple sensing approaches (such as weight sensors, position sensors, or airflow sensors) to independently detect operational status, thereby improving detection accuracy while enabling energy reduction
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor system is designed with multi-functionality, where sensors can detect various operational parameters beyond just pressure. The same sensor infrastructure can detect floor nozzle presence, weight, position, or airflow characteristics, providing multiple indicators for accurate non-use detection and enabling reliable energy management
Data Source
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AI summary
The vacuum cleaner (1) has a drive unit e.g. suction fan (2) that generates a volume flow rate and a negative pressure. A volume flow rate determination unit determines volume flow rate value generated during operation, and a pressure sensor determines negative pressure value generated during operation. A drive unit controller (15) compares determined volume flow rate value and negative pressure value with a preset threshold as a design limit. An inverter (16) reduces electrical power input supplied to drive unit based on comparison result. Independent claims are included for the following: (1) method for operating vacuum cleaner; and (2) program for operating vacuum cleaner.