Methods for controlling the power supply of a vacuum cleaner motor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vacuum cleaners require manual intervention to prevent overfilling, which can lead to damage and requires operators to continuously monitor the filling capacity, as previous solutions do not automatically disable the motor when the collection drum reaches its maximum capacity.
Innovation Solution
The system includes pressure taps to detect a pressure differential within the vacuum cleaner, a float that adjusts with liquid levels, and a power switch that toggles based on this differential, automatically disabling the motor when the drum approaches maximum capacity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a float mechanism is used to detect liquid level, then the vacuum cleaner can detect when the drum is full, but the motor continues to run requiring manual intervention to shut it off
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically shuts off the motor when the float detects maximum liquid level, eliminating the need for manual intervention. The control circuit self-activates the shutdown sequence based on float position, making the system serve itself rather than requiring operator action.
Solution Approach 2:
The float provides continuous feedback on liquid level to the control circuit, which automatically adjusts motor operation. When the float reaches the maximum level position, it triggers the control circuit to interrupt power to the motor, creating a closed-loop feedback system that automatically responds to drum fill status.
2Ease of operation
If the motor is automatically shut off when the drum is full, then operator workload is reduced, but additional control circuitry is required
Solution Approach 1:
The control circuit acts as an intermediary between the simple float mechanism and the motor. Rather than directly connecting the float to motor shutdown, the control circuit receives the float's positional signal and automatically manages the power interruption, bridging the gap between detection and action while maintaining circuit simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical linkages with an electrical control circuit. Instead of using mechanical cams, levers, or direct mechanical connections to shut off the motor, the system uses electrical signals from the float through a control circuit to manage power delivery, simplifying the overall mechanical complexity.
3Reliability
If continuous monitoring is required to prevent overfilling, then damage is prevented, but operator time and attention are consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The float-controlled system continuously monitors drum fill status automatically without requiring operator attention. The system self-monitors the liquid level throughout operation and autonomously shuts down when full, eliminating the need for operators to continuously check or monitor the drum status.
Solution Approach 2:
The float mechanism is positioned to detect the maximum fill level before overfilling can occur. The system takes preliminary action by triggering shutdown at the precise moment the drum reaches capacity, preventing damage before it can happen rather than requiring reactive monitoring after potential problems arise.
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
This solution enables automatic shutdown of the vacuum cleaner's motor when the collection drum is full, preventing damage and eliminating the need for manual intervention, ensuring safe operation and reducing operator workload.
Implementation Method 1
a float adapted to change position as a function of an amount of liquid stored in a drum of the vacuum cleaner
Implementation Method 2
at least two pressure taps adapted to detect a pressure differential between a first and second portion of the vacuum cleaner
Data Source
AI summary
Applicant has created systems, methods, and apparatuses for controlling the power supply of a vacuum cleaner motor. The systems and apparatuses include pressure taps to detect a pressure differential within a vacuum cleaner, a float that adjusts depending on an amount of liquid stored, and a power switch that toggles based on the pressure differential created by the position of the float. Alternatively, the float can be replaced by an air chamber so that the pressure differential is created by liquid rising above the volume of air trapped in the chamber. The method can include interrupting the current supplied to an electrical circuit of a power switch based upon a pressure differential created within the vacuum. By controlling the power supply to a vacuum cleaner motor based on a pressure differential created by the amount of liquid stored within the vacuum cleaner, the vacuum cleaner can automatically disable the vacuum cleaner's motor as the vacuum approaches its maximum liquid capacity.