Upright vacuum cleaner having switch to detect a filter assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Upright vacuum cleaners lack a mechanism to prevent operation without a properly attached removable filter assembly and are vulnerable to voltage fluctuations, particularly when powered by a battery, which can damage the switch.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a microswitch connected to the blower to ensure operation only when the filter assembly is securely attached and a capacitor to protect the switch from voltage transients.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a switch is added to detect filter assembly connection, then the reliability of operation control is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperation control reliabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical switch mechanisms with a simpler electrical contact system. The filter assembly includes a contact element that electrically connects to the housing when properly installed, providing a reliable detection method without requiring complex mechanical switches or sensors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The filter assembly itself serves the dual function of filtration and connection detection. The contact element on the filter assembly automatically engages with the housing contact when installed, enabling the filter to participate in the control function without requiring separate detection mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Ease of operation

If battery power is used to enable portable operation, then the ease of operation is improved, but the switch becomes vulnerable to voltage transients

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveportabilityVSAvoidswitch reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates a capacitor connected in parallel with the switch to protect against voltage transients before they can damage the switch. This cushioning element absorbs voltage spikes and transient energy from battery operation, preserving switch reliability while maintaining portability benefits.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The capacitor acts as an intermediary protective element between the battery power source and the switch. It mediates the harmful effects of voltage transients by absorbing and dissipating energy, allowing the switch to operate reliably in a portable battery-powered system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

Prevents the vacuum cleaner from operating without a filter assembly, ensuring proper filtration and protects the switch from voltage fluctuations, enhancing operational safety and reliability.

Implementation Method 1

A capacitor is operatively connected to the motor assembly to protect the switch from voltage transients

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapacitance: Capacitance

Data Source

PatentUS10660497B2Upright vacuum cleaner having switch to detect a filter assembly

Publication Date: 2020.05.26 EMERSON ELECTRIC CO

AI summary

Upright vacuum cleaners that include a switch that detects whether a removable filter assembly has been connected to the vacuum cleaner are disclosed. In some embodiments, the upright vacuum cleaner includes a capacitor for protecting the switch from voltage transients.