Vacuum Cleaner Power Module for Battery-or-Cord Operation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vacuum cleaners are heavy due to the inclusion of both a battery and a cord reel, have increased manufacturing costs and complex structures due to the need for an AC/DC switch and cord reel door detection, and require complicated mode switching.
Innovation Solution
A vacuum cleaner design that allows for selective installation of either a battery assembly or a cord reel assembly, with a controller and inverter configuration that adjusts PWM duty cycles based on the installed power source, eliminating the need for a switch and simplifying the structure by using DC power from both sources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If both battery and cord reel are included in the vacuum cleaner, then the vacuum cleaner can operate in both AC and DC modes, but the weight of the vacuum cleaner increases
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply system is segmented into separate modular components (battery assembly and cord reel assembly), allowing users to select only the needed power source for specific cleaning scenarios, thereby reducing the effective weight carried during each operation while maintaining overall system versatility
Solution Approach 2:
The vacuum cleaner is designed with universal power input capability that accepts both AC and DC power sources through a unified circuit interface, eliminating the need for separate dedicated circuits for each power type and reducing overall system weight while maintaining adaptability
2Ease of operation
If AC/DC switch and cord reel door detection sensor are added to switch between power modes, then the vacuum cleaner can automatically detect and switch power modes, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system automatically detects the connected power source type (AC or DC) and adjusts operating parameters without requiring manual user input or additional detection sensors, eliminating the need for extra components while maintaining ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The power input detection and mode switching functions are merged into the existing control circuitry, eliminating the need for separate AC/DC switches and detection sensors, thereby reducing manufacturing cost while maintaining automatic power mode adaptation
3Adaptability or versatility
If AC/DC switch and detection sensor are included for mode switching, then the vacuum cleaner can switch between AC and DC modes, but the device structure becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
A universal power input circuit design is implemented that can accept both AC and DC power sources through a single unified interface, eliminating the need for separate switching mechanisms and detection sensors for each power type, thereby reducing structural complexity while maintaining adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The power source detection and mode adaptation functions are merged into the existing control system, eliminating separate AC/DC switching components and sensors, thereby simplifying the overall device structure while preserving full power mode versatility
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 design reduces weight, manufacturing costs, and complexity by allowing users to choose their power source based on cleaning needs, enhancing user convenience and simplifying the circuit configuration, while maintaining consistent suction motor performance.
Implementation Method 1
an inverter configured to convert a voltage output from the battery assembly installed at the installing portion to a voltage for operating the suction motor
Data Source
AI summary
A vacuum cleaner may include a cleaner body having a suction motor and a suctioning portion configured to be in communication with the cleaner body and to suction air and dust. One of a battery assembly having a battery or a cord reel assembly having a power cord may be installed in the cleaner body. The vacuum cleaner may also include a controller to control the suction motor by modifying a pulse width modulation (PWM) duty cycle of an inverter providing power to the suction motor based on whether the battery assembly or the cord reel assembly is installed in the cleaner body.