Hard Surface Suction Control via Wiper Lip Stress Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Portable hard surface suction devices have limited operating time due to high energy consumption, as the suction unit is typically switched on manually and remains active even when not in use, leading to unnecessary energy usage.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a stress detection mechanism that automatically switches the suction unit on when the wiper lip is pressed against a hard surface and off when removed, using sensors like force transducers, touch sensors, or deformation sensors to detect mechanical stress and movement, ensuring the suction unit operates only during cleaning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the suction unit is switched on manually and remains active even when not in use, then the device is ready for immediate use, but energy consumption increases and operating time decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereadiness for useVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The device automatically detects when the wiper lip contacts the hard surface through stress sensors and autonomously activates the suction unit without requiring manual intervention. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for the user to manually switch the suction unit on and off, while ensuring the motor runs only when actually needed for cleaning, thus reducing unnecessary energy consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Productivity

If the suction unit operates continuously to ensure readiness, then cleaning can start immediately, but the battery charge depletes faster

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning efficiencyVSAvoidoperating time

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of continuous operation, the suction unit operates periodically - activated only when the stress sensor detects contact between the wiper lip and the hard surface. This periodic action pattern ensures the motor is running during cleaning operations while remaining off during transport and non-use periods, thereby extending battery life and overall operating time without compromising cleaning efficiency when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

3Use of energy by moving object

If a mechanical stress detection system is added to automatically control the suction unit, then energy consumption is reduced, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy consumptionVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical switching with an automated sensor-based control system. Stress sensors (such as force sensors or deformation sensors) detect mechanical contact between the wiper lip and the hard surface, and this mechanical detection is converted into electrical signals that automatically control the suction unit's power state. This substitution reduces energy consumption while adding only minimal complexity through the integration of simple sensor elements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 approach reduces energy consumption by limiting the duty cycle of the suction unit to only when cleaning is in progress, extending the device's operating time and improving efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

It can be provided, for example, that the acting reaction force is detected with the aid of at least one force transducer and the suction unit is then set in motion.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectForce transducer detection: Piezoresistive Effect

Implementation Method 2

an elastic deformation of a component of the hard surface suction device resulting from the pressing of the at least one wiping lip against the hard surface is detected and the suction unit is then switched on automatically

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation detection: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3127461B1Method for operating a portable hard surface suction device and hard surface suction device for carrying out the method

Publication Date: 2019.03.27 ALFRED KARCHER SE & CO KG

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AI summary

The invention relates to a method for operating a portable hard surface suction device for sucking off a liquid-air mixture from a hard surface, the hard surface suction device having a suction nozzle with at least one flexible wiper lip that can be pressed against the hard surface, a suction unit and a separating device arranged in the flow path between the suction nozzle and the suction unit , which is connected to a dirty liquid tank, and wherein the hard surface suction device has a control device for switching the suction unit on and off and a rechargeable battery. In order to further develop the method in such a way that the energy consumption of the hard surface suction device can be reduced, it is proposed according to the invention that a mechanical stress on the hard surface suction device resulting from the pressing of the at least one wiper lip against the hard surface is recorded and that the suction unit is switched on automatically when this mechanical stress is present. A hard surface suction device (10; 100) for carrying out the method is also proposed.