Vacuum Mop Vibration-Based Moisture Detection for Cleaning Performance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cleaning devices struggle with determining optimal moisture content of the cleaning medium for different floor surfaces and suffer from user discomfort due to excessive vibrations, which can lead to chronic irritation and premature component failure.
Innovation Solution
A cleaning device that determines moisture content by evaluating the intensity of vibrations caused by the oscillating motion of the cleaning medium, using vibration sensors to adjust the moisture level and surface condition for improved cleaning results and user comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If sensors for determining moisture content are arranged on the cleaning agent carrier or underside of the housing, then moisture content can be determined, but the sensors are located in a dirty area which reduces reliability and increases maintenance requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the moisture sensing function from the dirty area (cleaning agent carrier/underside) and relocates it to the vibration sensor that detects vibrations transmitted through the housing. This separates the sensing function from the contaminated environment while maintaining measurement capability through indirect vibration-based detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces vibration as an intermediary medium to indirectly measure moisture content. Instead of placing sensors directly in contact with the cleaning agent, the system uses vibration transmission characteristics through the housing and cleaning medium carrier as a mediator to infer moisture levels, avoiding direct exposure to dirty areas.
2Productivity
If the cleaning medium is set into oscillating motion to improve cleaning results, then cleaning performance is enhanced, but excessive vibrations are transmitted to the user causing discomfort and potential chronic overload irritation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where vibration sensors continuously monitor vibration intensity, and the control unit adjusts the drive parameters accordingly. When excessive vibration is detected, the system automatically reduces oscillation amplitude or frequency, creating a closed-loop control that maintains cleaning effectiveness while limiting harmful vibrations transmitted to the user.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the oscillating motion dynamically adjustable rather than fixed. The drive parameters (amplitude, frequency) are continuously adapted based on real-time vibration feedback, allowing the system to optimize between cleaning performance and user comfort by varying the oscillation characteristics during operation.
3Productivity
If moisture content of the cleaning medium is increased to improve cleaning results on rough or heavily soiled floors, then cleaning performance improves, but vibration intensity increases causing user discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses parameter changes in the vibration characteristics (frequency, amplitude) to indirectly control and indicate moisture content levels. By monitoring how vibration parameters change with moisture variations, the system can optimize the balance between cleaning performance and user comfort through dynamic parameter adjustment rather than direct moisture control.
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
Optimizes cleaning performance and reduces user discomfort by automatically adjusting the moisture content based on vibration intensity and surface condition, extending the device's lifespan and enhancing cleaning efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
At least one vibration sensor (11) for detecting the intensity of a vibration (18) is arranged in the housing (3). The control (13) is designed to determine the moisture content of the cleaning medium (7), wherein the control (13) evaluates a change in the intensity of the vibration (18) for this purpose.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a cleaning device, in particular a vacuum mop, comprising a housing with at least one cleaning medium for receiving a cleaning agent, a cleaning medium carrier for receiving the cleaning medium, a drive for driving the cleaning medium carrier, and a control unit, wherein at least one vibration sensor for detecting the intensity of a vibration is arranged in the housing and the control unit is configured to determine the moisture content of the cleaning medium, the control unit evaluating a change in the intensity of the vibration. The invention also relates to a method for operating a cleaning device.