Battery Vacuum Motor Control for Stable Suction During Discharge

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Solution Overview

Problem

Battery-powered vacuum cleaners experience a significant reduction in suction power during discharge cycles due to voltage decline, leading to inefficient energy consumption and user dissatisfaction with either extended low suction or sudden power loss.

Innovation Solution

A method and device that measure motor voltage or current to maintain a target suction power for a specified time, then gradually decrease power as the battery discharges, using a control unit to adjust voltage or current to ensure consistent suction until the motor is powered off, incorporating both voltage and current as feedback parameters for accurate power control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Duration of action of moving object

If feedback control is used to maintain constant suction power during battery discharge, then the discharge cycle is extended, but the suction power must be set to a lower constant value that may not meet user needs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebattery discharge cycleVSAvoidsuction power
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of moving objectVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from static constant power control to dynamic power control. The system divides operation into two phases: an initial phase where target voltage is maintained for high suction power, and a subsequent phase where target voltage gradually decreases to extend battery life. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction by allowing high power when needed while extending overall discharge cycle.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements periodic action through time-based control phases. A specified time period is established from motor start-up, during which constant target voltage is maintained. After this period expires, the control mode switches to gradual voltage decrease. This periodic structure allows the system to deliver high suction power during critical initial periods while managing overall energy consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

2Power

If maximum suction power is maintained throughout battery discharge, then user satisfaction is improved, but battery voltage depletion occurs rapidly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesuction powerVSAvoidbattery discharge cycle
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by establishing a specified time period from motor start-up during which maximum suction power is guaranteed. The control unit is configured to maintain target motor voltage throughout this initial period, ensuring high performance when users most need it. After this preliminary high-power phase, the system transitions to voltage reduction mode.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements parameter changes by dynamically adjusting the target motor voltage based on operational phase and battery state. During the initial specified time period, target voltage is maintained at maximum levels. After the period expires, the control unit gradually decreases target voltage in response to decreasing battery source voltage, optimizing the balance between power delivery and battery conservation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Use of energy by moving object

If battery voltage is allowed to decrease naturally during discharge, then energy consumption is optimized, but suction power becomes inconsistent and decreases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebattery consumptionVSAvoidsuction power
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies feedback control by continuously measuring motor voltage and using this information to adjust the target motor voltage setpoint. The control unit receives feedback on actual motor voltage and compares it with the dynamically adjusted target value, modifying power delivery to maintain optimal suction power while managing battery consumption. This feedback mechanism enables intelligent balancing of power consistency and energy efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP2867986B1Vacuum cleaners and methods of controlling a motor driven by a battery source in a vacuum cleaner
Publication Date: 2018.10.31 AB ELECTROLUX
  • EP2867986B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2867986B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP2867986B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The present invention relates to vacuum cleaners and methods of controlling a motor driven by a battery source in a vacuum cleaner. For instance, a vacuum cleaner (1) is provided comprising a motor (2), a battery source (3) for providing power to the motor, a voltage measuring unit (4) for measuring a voltage over the motor, and a current measuring unit (5) for measuring a current flowing through the motor. Further, the vacuum cleaner comprises a control unit (6) for controlling, based on the measured voltage and the measured current, the power provided to the motor from the battery source to attain a target motor power value during a specified time period running from start-up of the motor.