Assisted drive for surface cleaning devices
US11039722B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 23, 2019 |
| Grant date | Jun 22, 2021 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 10, 2039 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA47L9/2857
- WIPO fieldFurniture, games
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
In general, the present disclosure is directed to a force-sensing arrangement for use in surface cleaning devices, such as a vacuum device, that allows a user-supplied force to be translated into a command signal to cause the surface cleaning device to accelerate forward, reverse or to veer/turn in a desired direction. In an embodiment, the surface cleaning device includes a nozzle, wheels, motor(s) to drive the wheels, and an upright handle portion. The surface cleaning device includes a force-sensing arrangement with load cells coupled at a position where user force is transferred from the upright portion to the nozzle. The force-sensing arrangement detects the user supplying a relatively small amount of force and translates the same into measurement signals. A controller coupled to the load cells utilizes the measurement signals to determine or “infer” a desired direction of travel.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.