Vacuum Nozzle Light Projection for Visible Dirt Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vacuum cleaners lack an effective system for providing a readily visible signal to the user regarding sensed conditions, such as dirt presence or filter replacement, as existing indicator lamps require the user to look at the vacuum itself rather than projecting a signal onto the cleaning surface.
Innovation Solution
A vacuum cleaner equipped with a sensor-responsive light system on the floor nozzle that projects light onto the floor, utilizing LED devices to indicate sensed conditions, with a distinct color for the sensor-responsive light system to differentiate from the illumination system, ensuring the signal is visible to the user during operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If conventional indicator lamps are used on the vacuum cleaner body, then the user can determine if dirt is sensed, but the user must look at the lamp itself rather than the cleaning surface, reducing visibility and ease of operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent projects the indicator signal from the vacuum cleaner body onto the floor surface in front of the nozzle, transitioning the display dimension from vertical (on the device) to horizontal (on the work surface). This allows the user to see the indicator while naturally looking at the cleaning area, eliminating the need to shift attention between the device and the surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a projection system as an intermediary between the sensor and the user. Instead of directly viewing a lamp on the device or interpreting sensor data, the sensor signal is converted into a projected visual indicator on the floor, creating a mediating representation that is both informative and conveniently visible.
2Area of stationary object
If indicator lamps are placed on the floor nozzle, then the signal location is closer to the working area, but the lamps still require the user to look at the vacuum rather than the floor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions the indicator display from the vertical surface of the nozzle body to the horizontal plane of the floor surface. By projecting light onto the floor, the indicator occupies the same dimensional space as the working area, making it visible while the user naturally observes the cleaning surface.
3Device complexity
If the sensor-responsive light system uses the same color as the illumination system, then the design is simpler, but the user cannot differentiate between illumination and sensor signals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent assigns different colors to the illumination system and the sensor-responsive indicator system. This color differentiation allows the user to easily distinguish between the functional illumination light and the informational sensor signal, providing clear visual feedback without complicating the overall design.
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
The solution provides a clear and visible indication of dirt presence or other sensed conditions directly on the floor, enhancing user awareness and efficiency during cleaning, allowing for better monitoring of the cleaning process without needing to look at the vacuum's lamps.
Implementation Method 1
A vacuum cleaner equipped with a sensor-responsive light system on the floor nozzle that projects light onto the floor, utilizing LED devices to indicate sensed conditions
Data Source
AI summary
A vacuum cleaner having a floor nozzle movable by a user of the vacuum cleaner over a floor to suction dirt from the floor. A sensing system is provided for sensing a condition relating to the vacuum cleaner and for generating a signal in response to the condition. A sensor-responsive light system on the floor nozzle is responsive to the signal for projecting light onto the floor for observance by the user.