WO2023147829A1

WO2023147829A1 - Method of adjusting vacuum performance

Info

Publication number: WO2023147829A1
Application number: PCT/DK2023/050021
Authority: WO
Inventors: Mikael Hansen
Original assignee: Nilfisk A/S
Priority date: 2022-02-02
Filing date: 2023-02-01
Publication date: 2023-08-10
Also published as: EP4223199A1

Abstract

A method of operating a vacuum device includes operating the vacuum device. Voltage is provided to a turbine of the vacuum device to spin a rotary element of the turbine. A flow of air is drawn through a portion of the vacuum device in response to spinning the rotary element of the turbine. A pressure difference between a first location inside the vacuum device and a second location inside the vacuum device. The first location is disposed upstream relative to a direction of the flow of air from the turbine. The first location is also disposed downstream relative to the direction of the flow of air from a filter element of the vacuum device. An amount of voltage across the turbine is adjusted in response to the measured pressure difference. A performance characteristic of the turbine is monitored.

Description

METHOD OF ADJUSTING VACUUM PERFORMANCE

BACKGROUND

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to vacuum devices. In particular, the present disclosure relates to a method of adjusting the performance of a vacuum device.

[0002] Industrial and commercial floors are cleaned on a regular basis for aesthetic and sanitary purposes. There are many types of industrial and commercial floors ranging from hard surfaces such as concrete, terrazzo, wood, and the like, which can be found in factories, schools, hospitals, and the like, to softer surfaces such as carpeted floors found in restaurants and offices. Different types of floor cleaning equipment such as vacuums, scrubbers, sweepers, and extractors, have been developed to properly clean and maintain these different floor surfaces.

[0003] F or example, vacuums incorporate the use of negative pressure to draw particulates into the vacuum in order to clean the particulates from a surface. The amount of positive or negative pressure throughout existing vacuum devices can be monitored by pressures sensors. However, the accuracy of measurements produced by such sensors can often be imprecise or inaccurate depending on where the pressures are measured and on what the pressure values are used for.

[0004] The inventors have recognized that there is a need for an improved system that overcomes the aforementioned disadvantages of imprecise and inaccurate pressure measurements within a vacuum device.

SUMMARY

[0005] A method of operating a vacuum device includes operating the vacuum device. Voltage is provided to a turbine of the vacuum device to spin a rotary element of the turbine. A flow of air is drawn through a portion of the vacuum device in response to spinning the rotary element of the turbine. A pressure difference between a first location inside the vacuum device and a second location inside the vacuum device. The first location is disposed upstream relative to a direction of the flow of air from the turbine. The first location is also disposed downstream relative to the direction of the flow of air from a filter element of the vacuum device. An amount of voltage across the turbine is adjusted in response to the measured pressure difference. A performance characteristic of the turbine is monitored.

[0006] A method of assembling a vacuum device includes mounting a turbine within the vacuum device. The turbine includes an inlet and an outlet and defines a downstream direction from the inlet to the outlet. The turbine is configured to draw a flow of air through a portion of the vacuum device. A filter element is positioned in fluid communication with and upstream from the turbine. A sensor is disposed inside of the vacuum device and is configured to sense a pressure difference between a first location inside of the vacuum device and a second location within the vacuum device. The first location is disposed upstream relative to a direction of the flow of air from the turbine. The first location is also disposed downstream relative to the direction of the flow of air from the filter element.

[0007] A vacuum device includes a turbine, a filter element, a housing, a sensor, and a controller. The turbine is configured to draw a flow of air a flow of air through a portion of the vacuum device. A filter element is disposed upstream from and in fluid communication with the turbine. The housing defines a chamber that is disposed upstream from and in fluid communication with the filter element. The sensor is disposed inside of the vacuum device to sense a pressure of the flow of air at a location between the filter element and the turbine. The sensor is configured to measure a pressure difference between the first location inside the vacuum device and a second location inside the vacuum device. The controller is electrically connected to the turbine and is configured to adjust an amount of voltage across the turbine in response to a measured pressure difference.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] FIG. 1 shows a cross-section system view of a vacuum device incorporating an internal pressure measuring system.

[0009] FIG. 2 shows zoomed-in cross-section view of the vacuum device including a sensor with a measuring point at a first location.

[0010] FIG. 3 shows a simplified schematic view of the internal pressure measuring system.

[0011] FIG. 4 shows a flowchart of a method of operating the vacuum device. [0012] FIG. 5 shows a flowchart of additional steps of the method of operating the vacuum device.

[0013] FIG. 6A shows a flowchart of additional, or alternative, steps of the method of operating the vacuum device.

[0014] FIG. 6B shows another flowchart of additional, or alternative, steps of the method of operating the vacuum device.

[0015] FIG. 7 shows a flowchart of a method of assembling the vacuum device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0016] In existing vacuum devices, pressure measurements can be taken upstream of a filter element. However, measurements of pressure taken upstream from the filter element can produce unprecise or inaccurate measurements within the vacuum product. Other existing vacuum devices take a reference or set-point pressure at a location external to the vacuum device, which may require a hole in the vacuum device itself in order to obtain a measurement of the external pressure.

[0017] The inventors have recognized, among other things, that a problem to be solved with existing vacuum devices is the lack of precision and accuracy with pressure measurements taken upstream of the filter elements.

[0018] The present subject matter can help provide a solution to these and other problems such as by measuring a pressure within the vacuum at a location between the filter element and the turbine with a second reference pressure measurement taken from within the vacuum. In view of this placement, there is no need for an externally positioned pressure sensor thereby eliminating a need to make a hole in the device itself to obtain a measurement of the external pressure. For example, a pressure of an ambient environment external to the vacuum device is used as a reference pressure, but there is no specific measurement point outside of the device. The disclosure presents a method of measuring a pressure difference between two locations in the device with one sensor, adjusting the performance of the turbine by adjustment of the voltage across the turbine, and analyzing the performance of the turbine (e.g., pressure versus air flow). The proposed configuration enables more optimized power consumption as well as precise measurement of power and voltage usage to fulfill legal requirements for minimum air speed. [0019] Referring now to FIG. 1, FIG. 1 shows a cross-section system view of vacuum device 10. In one exemplary embodiment, vacuum device 10 may be a vacuum cleaning machine. I other exemplary embodiments, vacuum device 10 may be an industrial vacuum cleaner, a consumer vacuum cleaner, a high pressure washer, a scrubber, or other cleaning machines involving the flow of a fluid. Vacuum device 10 includes housing 12. Housing 12 can be a structural framework of solid material that is disposed throughout different portions of vacuum device 10. In one example, housing 12 can be a single monolithic piece of material. In other examples housing 12 can be an assembly of a plurality of pieces of solid material that form housing 12. In one exemplary embodiment, housing 12 defines compartment 14.

[0020] Compartment 14 is an opening or cavity formed within and defined by a section of housing 12. In one example, compartment 14 can be defined in-part by housing 12 and in-part by filter element 16. In this example, compartment 14 may have a tubular shape. Compartment 14 is disposed adjacent to and in fluid communication with filter element 16. In an exemplary embodiment, compartment 14 surrounds filter element 16.

[0021] Filter element 16 is a filter for removing particulates from air. Filter element 16 is disposed inside of housing 12 and in fluid communication with compartment 14. Filter element 16 is disposed to remove particulates from air flow F passing through filter element 16. In this example, filter element 16 is disposed downstream from compartment 14 as defined by a direction of flow of air flow F as shown in FIG. 1. As used herein, the term “air flow” may be used interchangeably with the term “flow of air.”

[0022] Turbine 18 includes a motor configured to draw a flow of air through turbine 18. In an exemplary embodiment, turbine 18 is disposed to create a pressure differential across various portions of vacuum device 10 in order to drive or draw air flow F through the different portions of vacuum device 10. Additionally, or alternatively, turbine 18 may be configured to draw air F through a portion of vacuum device 10.

[0023] Electronics compartment 20 is section of vacuum device 10 define by a portion of housing 12. In this example, electronics compartment 20 is fluidly isolated from compartment 14. Electronics compartment is disposed to house various electronics components of vacuum device 10.

[0024] Pressure measurement system 22 is a system for measuring an amount of air pressure within a portion of vacuum device 10. In this example, pressure measurement system 22 is in fluid communication with air flow F at a location near a downstream side of filter element 16.

Pressure measurement system 22 includes sensor 24

[0025] Sensor 24 is device for measure a pressure, velocity, or a combination of both of a fluid. In an exemplary embodiment, sensor 24 may be an air velocity measurement sensor disposed to measure a velocity, flow rate, or a combination thereof of air flow F as air flow F flows from filter element 16 to turbine 18. In another exemplary embodiment, sensor 24 may be a pressure measurement sensor disposed to measure a pressure of air flow F as air flow F flows from filter element 16 to turbine 18. In such an embodiment, a measured pressure amount may be used to determine an actual speed or velocity of air flow F through turbine 18, through vacuum device 10, or a combination thereof. Sensor 24 is disposed in electronics compartment 20. As will be discussed further with respect to the remaining figures, sensor 24 is disposed to sense a pressure of air flow F at a location between filter element 16 and turbine 18. In an exemplary embodiment, sensor 24 is configured to measure a pressure difference between a first location inside vacuum device 10 and a second location inside vacuum device 10.

[0026] Cage 26 is frame of solid material. In this exemplary embodiment, cage 26 is disposed inside of and along filter element 16. Cage 26 is attached to a portion of housing 12 and provides structural support to filter element 16, to housing 12, and to other portions of vacuum device 10.

[0027] Center compartment 28 is an open space or cavity. Center compartment 28 is defined by cage 26, such as by an inner radial surface of cage 26. Center compartment 28 is in fluid communication with filter element 16 via openings or slits in cage 26. Center compartment 28 is also in fluid communication with turbine 18. In this exemplary embodiment, center compartment 28 is disposed to receive air flow F from filter element 16.

[0028] FIG. 1 also shows ambient environment 30. Ambient environment 30 is positioned externally from vacuum device 10. In an exemplary embodiment, housing 12 fluidly isolates vacuum device 10 from ambient environment 30 such that areas or portions within vacuum device 10 (e.g., within and/or defined by housing 12) are fluidly isolated from ambient environment 30.

[0029] In one exemplary embodiment, vacuum device 10 can define a downstream direction of air flow F. As defined by a direction of air flow F shown in FIG. 1, compartment 14 is disposed upstream from filter element 16. Filter element 16 is disposed downstream from compartment 14 and upstream from center compartment 28, center compartment 28 is disposed downstream from filter element 16 and upstream from turbine 18, and turbine 18 is disposed downstream from center compartment 28.

[0030] Referring now to FIG. 2, FIG. 2 shows a zoomed-in cross-section view of vacuum device 10 with pressure measuring system 22. In FIG. 2, some of the components of vacuum device are shown with simplified representations so as to provide clarity of discussion with respect to vacuum device 10 and components thereof.

[0031] As shown in FIG. 2, turbine 18 includes rotary element 32. In an exemplary embodiment, rotary element 32 may include a rotor assembly that is configured to draw air into and through turbine 18. In this way, turbine 18 can create a pressure differential so as to draw air flow F through vacuum device 10.

[0032] Turbine 18 also includes inlet 34 and outlet 36. Inlet 34 is an opening or a port in a housing of turbine 18 that is configured to receive a portion of air flow F from filter element 16. Similarly, outlet 36 is an opening or a port in the housing of turbine 18 that is configured to dispense a portion of air flow F from turbine 18.

[0033] In an exemplary embodiment, sensor 24 includes first port 38 and second port 40. Both of first port 38 and second port 40 are openings through which a fluid (e.g., air) may flow. In an exemplary embodiment, first port 38 opens up into and is in fluid communication with electronics compartment 20. In other exemplary embodiments, first port 38 may open up into and be in fluid communication with one or more internal chambers or compartments of vacuum device that are fluidly isolated from ambient environment 30. Second port 40 is in fluid communication with air flow F via line 42 and tube 44. In an embodiment, first port 38 and second port 40 are fluidly isolated from each other with a membrane that prevents a flow of air across the membrane. In such an embodiment, a movement of the membrane can be measured and converted into an output signal defining a pressure difference between first port 38 and second port 40.

[0034] Line 42 is a conduit configured for transporting a fluid (e.g., air). In this exemplary embodiment, line 42 may be a tube of flexible material that is sealably attached to second port 40 of sensor 24 and to an end of tube 44. Line 42 is in fluid communication with sensor 24 via second port 40 and with air flow F via tube 44.

[0035] Tube 44 is a tube of solid material that is configured to transport a fluid (e.g., air). Tube 44 may be separate from or integrally formed with a portion of housing 12. Tube 44 is in fluid communication with sensor 24 via line 42 and with air flow F at first location 46. [0036] First location 46 is a location within vacuum device that is in direct fluid communication with air flow F. In this exemplary embodiment, first location 46 may be disposed upstream relative to a direction of the flow of air flow F from turbine 18. First location 46 may also be disposed downstream relative to the direction of the flow of air flow F from filter element 16. As shown in FIG. 2, the direction of the flow of air of air flow F is depicted by a direction of arrowheads associated with the line segments corresponding to air flow F. In an exemplary embodiment, first location 46 may be a point at which sensor 24 measures a velocity, a pressure, or a combination thereof of air flow F as air flow F passes from filter element 16 to turbine 18.

[0037] Vacuum device also includes controller 48. In this exemplary embodiment, controller may be positioned in electronics compartment 20. In other exemplary embodiments, controller 48 may be located in another part of or upon an external surface of vacuum device 10. Controller 48 is electrically connected to turbine 18 and to sensor 24. Controller 48 is configured to control an amount of voltage across turbine 18. In an exemplary embodiment, controller 48 is configured to adjust an amount of voltage across turbine 18 in response to a measured pressure difference between first location 46 and second location 50.

[0038] Second location 50 is a location positioned within vacuum device 10. In this exemplary embodiment, second location 50 may be positioned inside of electronics compartment 20. In other exemplary embodiments, second location 50 may be positioned such that second location 50 is fluidly isolated from air flow F and from ambient environment 30. Additionally, or alternatively, a pressure at second location 50 is approximately equal to an ambient pressure of ambient environment 30 outside of housing 12 of vacuum device 10. In this way, the pressure at second location 50 may provide reference to the actual atmospheric pressure.

[0039] As provided herein, the disclosure presents in FIGS. 1-2 (and in FIG. 3) the capability of measuring a pressure within the vacuum at first location 46 between filter element 16 and turbine 18 with a second reference pressure measurement taken at second location 50 from within vacuum device 10. In view of this placement, there is no need for an externally positioned second sensor thereby eliminating a need to make a hole in vacuum device 10 itself to obtain a measurement of a pressure of ambient environment 30 external to vacuum device 10.

[0040] Referring now to FIG. 3, FIG. 3 shows a simplified schematic view of vacuum device 10 with pressure measuring system 22. [0041] In this exemplary embodiment, vacuum device 10 defines a downstream direction of air flow F. As defined by the direction of the arrowheads associated with air flow F shown in FIG. 3, compartment 14 is disposed upstream from filter element 16. Filter element 16 is disposed downstream from compartment 14 and upstream from turbine 18. First location 46 is disposed at a point between filter element 16 and turbine 18. Sensor 24 is in fluid communication with air flow F at first location 46.

[0042] The positioning of sensor 24 and first location 46 (e.g., the point at which sensor 24 measures a velocity, a pressure, or a combination thereof of air flow F) enables a more precise measurement and/or calculation of a usage of power and voltage of vacuum device 10. Such measurements and calculations of power and voltage usage of vacuum device 10 in turn provide benefits of being able to better fulfill legal requirements for vacuum devices, such as with respect to minimum air speed, power consumption, or other performance requirements.

[0043] Referring now to FIG. 4, FIG. 4 shows a flowchart of method 100 of operating vacuum device 10.

[0044] At step 102, method 100 may include operating vacuum device 10. Step 102 may also include steps 104-106. At step 104, method 100 may include providing voltage across turbine 18 to spin rotary element 32 of turbine 18. At step 106, method 100 may include drawing a flow of air through a portion of vacuum device 10 in response to spinning rotary element 32 of turbine 18. At step 108, method 100 may include passing the flow of air through filter element 16.

[0045] At step 110, method 100 may include measuring, with sensor 24, a pressure difference between first location 46 inside vacuum device 10 and second location 50 inside vacuum device 10. As discussed above, first location 46 may be disposed upstream relative to a direction of the flow of air from turbine 18, wherein first location 46 may be disposed downstream relative to the direction of the flow of air from filter element 16. In an exemplary embodiment, a pressure at second location 50 is approximately equal to an ambient pressure outside of vacuum device 10. Additionally, or alternatively, second location 50 is fluidly isolated from ambient environment 30 external to vacuum device 10. Step 110 may also include steps 112-116.

[0046] At step 112, method 100 may include detecting a variation in the measured pressure difference that may be greater than a predetermined amount of variation of pressure difference. At step 114, method 100 may include adjusting, with a filter of controller 48, a value of the variation in the measured pressure difference due to an occurrence of turbulence in the flow of air at first location 46. For example, if peak (e.g., a maximum or minimum value) in the measured pressure difference occurs, the pressure difference value occurring at that peak can be removed from the step of analyzing the performance characteristic.

[0047] In an exemplary embodiment, the fdter of controller 48 may be an algorithm in software utilized by controller 48. At step 116, method 100 may include one of decreasing a value of the measured pressure difference that may be greater than a first threshold value (such as greater than 1750 Pa, such as greater than 1850, such as greater than 1970 Pa), increasing a value of the measured pressure difference that may be less than the first threshold value, or a combination thereof in response to a detected variation in the measured pressure difference that may be greater than the predetermined amount of variation of pressure difference (such as 20 Pa, such as 15 Pa, such as 10 Pa, such as 5 Pa). In an exemplary embodiment, the value of the measured pressure difference may be adjusted (e.g., decreased or increased) by an algorithm stored in controller 48. As will be discussed with respect to the following figures, method 100 may also include steps 118-128.

[0048] Referring now to FIG. 5, FIG. 5 shows a flowchart of additional steps of method 100 of operating vacuum device 10. In particular, FIG. 5 shows steps 118-128 of method 100. As described herein, steps 118-128 may be additional steps that follow after steps 102-116 from FIG. 4. At step 118, method 100 may include adjusting an amount of voltage across (via an amount of current supplied to) turbine 18 with controller 48 in response to the measured pressure difference.

[0049] At step 120, method 100 may include monitoring a performance characteristic of turbine 18. In an exemplary embodiment, the performance characteristic of turbine 18 may be a flow rate of the flow of air (e.g., air flow F). In such an exemplary embodiment, the flow rate of the flow of air may be determined by a measured or calculated flow rate of the flow of air through turbine 18. Step 120 may also include steps 122-128. At step 122, method 100 may include analyzing the performance characteristic of turbine 18. Step 122 may also include step 124. At step 124, method 100 may include determining whether a ratio of the measured pressure difference to the flow rate of the flow of air may be within or outside of a predetermined range. In an embodiment, if the ratio of the measured pressure difference to the flow rate of the flow of air may be within or outside of the predetermined range, a user, controller 48, or a combination thereof can adjust an amount of voltage across the turbine in response to the flow rate of the flow of air being within or outside of the predetermined range.

[0050] In an embodiment, the flow rate of the flow of air may be determined in-part by and/or dependent upon the diameter of a hose utilized by vacuum device 10. In view of this, the ratio of the measured pressure difference to the flow rate of the flow of air may also be determined in-part by and/or dependent upon the diameter of the hose. As used herein, the term “hose” may refer to any of a hose extending from the vacuum device out to a vacuum attachment configured to draw dirt into the hose, an intermediate hose extending from turbine 18 to an attachment hose, another hose disposed inside of housing 12, or any combination thereof.

[0051] The following table displays example values of hose diameters and flow rates.

Table 1

[0052] Tables 2, 3, and 4 include example values of the ratio of the measured pressure difference (“AP”) to the flow rate of the flow of air for example values 20 Pa, 15 Pa, and 10 Pa, respectively, in view of the flow rates values provided in Table 1 above.

Table 2 — with AP set at 20 Pa

Table 3 — with AP set at 15 Pa

Table 4 — with AP set at 10 Pa

[0053] In an embodiment, the predetermined range of the ratio of the measured pressure difference to the flow rate of the flow of air may be based on comparisons of set values for pressure difference.

[0054] For a particular hose diameter (see e.g., left-most column of Tables 2-4), the predetermined range of the ratio of the measured pressure difference to the flow rate of the flow of air may be defined as the range between the Ratio (AP / Flow Rate) value at 20 Pa for that particular hose diameter and the Ratio (AP / Flow Rate) value at 15 Pa for that particular hose diameter. For example, the predetermined range of the ratio of the measured pressure difference to the flow rate of the flow of air such as 5 to 3.8, such as 2.9 to 2.2, such as 1.7 to 1.3, such as 1.6 to 1.2, such as 1.2 to 0.93, such as 1 to 0.78, such as 0.98 to 0.74, such as 0.88 to 0.66, such as 0.5 to 0.38, and such as 0.35 to 0.27.

[0055] In another embodiment, the predetermined range of the ratio of the measured pressure difference to the flow rate of the flow of air may be defined as the range between the Ratio (AP / Flow Rate) value at 15 Pa for that particular hose diameter and the Ratio (AP / Flow Rate) value at 10 Pa for that particular hose diameter. For example, the predetermined range of the ratio of the measured pressure difference to the flow rate of the flow of air such as 3.8 to 2.5, such as 2.2 tol.45, such as 1.3 to 0.87, such as 1.2 to 0.81, such as 0.93 to 0.62, such as 0.78 to 0.52, such as 0.74 to 0.49, such as 0.66 to 0.44, such as 0.38 to 0.25, and such as 0.27 to 0.18.

[0056] In yet another embodiment, the predetermined range of the ratio of the measured pressure difference to the flow rate of the flow of air may be defined as the range between the Ratio (AP / Flow Rate) value at 20 Pa for that particular hose diameter and the Ratio (AP / Flow Rate) value at 10 Pa for that particular hose diameter. For example, the predetermined range of the ratio of the measured pressure difference to the flow rate of the flow of air such as 5 to 2.5, such as 2.9 to 1.45, such as 1.7 to 0.87, such as 1.6 to 0.81, such as 1.2 to 0.62, such as 1 to 0.52, such as 0.98 to 0.49, such as 0.88 to 0.44, such as 0.5 to 0.25, and such as 0.35 to 0.18.

[0057] Although associated with specific hose diameters, the example values provided herein for flow rate and for the ratio of the measured pressure difference to the flow rate of the flow of air may also be independent of hose diameter.

[0058] At step 126, method 100 may include detecting turbulence in the flow of air at first location 46. At step 128, method 100 may include altering, with an algorithm, the measured pressure difference.

[0059] As provided herein, the proposed disclosure of vacuum device 10 with pressure measurement system 22 and method 100 provide for continuous adjustment of the performance of vacuum device 10 through adjustment of the voltage across turbine 18 in response to the pressure difference between first location 46 and second location 50. Vacuum device 10 with pressure measurement system 22 and method 100 enable the performance of vacuum device to be independent from the voltage across turbine 18 thereby providing additional levels of control. Also, the performance of vacuum device 10 is adjustable to be with legally required limits. Moreover, an alarm level of vacuum device 10 can be more reliable than existing devices. In addition, the flow of air through vacuum device 10 can be set at certain levels in the interest of safety. In view the above, power management of vacuum device can be optimized and further adjusted in response to floor type (e.g., hard floor, carpet, etc.) and floor detection.

[0060] In another exemplary embodiment, a set of steps 110A-114A, a set of steps 110B- 114B (see e.g., FIG. 6B), or a combination thereof may replace steps 110-118. For example, FIG. 6A shows a flowchart of additional, or alternative, steps of method 100 of operating vacuum device 10.

[0061] Referring now to FIG. 6 A, at step 110A, method 100 may include detecting the flow rate of the flow of air. At step 112A, method 100 may include determining, with controller 48, if the flow rate of the flow of air may be below a predetermined value. In one exemplary embodiment, the predetermined value of the flow rate of the flow of air may be 20 meters per second. At step 114A, method 100 may include providing a notification that the flow rate of the flow of air may be less than the predetermined value. [0062] Referring now to FIG. 6B, FIG. 6B shows a flowchart of additional, or alternative, steps of method 100 of operating vacuum device 10. At step HOB, method 100 may include detecting the flow rate of the flow of air. At step 112B, method 100 may include determining, with controller 48, if the flow rate of the flow of air may be below a predetermined value. At step 114B, method 100 may include increasing the amount of voltage across turbine 18 in response to the flow rate of the air flow being less than the predetermined value.

[0063] Referring now to FIG. 7, FIG. 7 shows a flowchart of method 200 of assembling vacuum device 10. At step 202, method 200 may include mounting turbine 18 within vacuum device 10. turbine 18 defines a downstream direction from the inlet of turbine 18 to the outlet of turbine 18, wherein turbine 18 may be configured to draw a flow of air through a portion of vacuum device 10. At step 204, method 200 may include positioning filter element 16 in fluid communication with and upstream from turbine 18.

[0064] At step 206, method 200 may include disposing sensor 24 inside of vacuum device 10, wherein sensor 24 may be configured to sense a pressure difference between first location 46 inside of vacuum device 10 and second location 50 within vacuum device 10, wherein first location 46 may be disposed upstream relative to a direction of the flow of air from turbine 18, wherein first location 46 may be disposed downstream relative to the direction of the flow of air from filter element 16. At step 208, method 200 may include fluidly connecting sensor 24 to first location 46 disposed between filter element 16 and turbine 18. Step 208 may also include step 210. At step 210, method 200 may include positioning sensor 24 in a portion of vacuum device 10 that may be fluidly isolated from ambient environment 30 external to vacuum device 10.

[0065] The vacuum devices and associated methods described herein provide advantages over existing vacuum devices such as enabling more optimized power consumption, precise measurement of power and voltage usage, both of which support fulfillment of legal requirements for minimum air speed.

Various Notes & Examples

[0066] A method of operating a vacuum device includes operating the vacuum device. Voltage is provided to a turbine of the vacuum device to spin a rotary element of the turbine. A flow of air is drawn through a portion of the vacuum device in response to spinning the rotary element of the turbine. A pressure difference between a first location inside the vacuum device and a second location inside the vacuum device. The first location is disposed upstream relative to a direction of the flow of air from the turbine. The first location is also disposed downstream relative to the direction of the flow of air from a filter element of the vacuum device. An amount of voltage across the turbine is adjusted in response to the measured pressure difference. A performance characteristic of the turbine is monitored.

[0067] Each of these non-limiting examples can stand on its own or can be combined in various permutations or combinations with one or more of the other examples.

[0068] Optionally, monitoring the performance characteristic of the turbine may comprise analyzing the performance characteristic of the turbine.

[0069] Optionally, the performance characteristic of the turbine comprises a flow rate of the flow of air, wherein analyzing the performance characteristic may comprise determining whether a ratio of the measured pressure difference to the flow rate of the flow of air is within a predetermined range.

[0070] Optionally, the predetermined range of the ratio of the measured pressure difference to the flow rate of the flow of air may be from 0.18 to 5.

[0071] Optionally, measuring the pressure difference between the first location in the vacuum device and the second location in the vacuum device may comprise: detecting a variation in the measured pressure difference that is greater than a predetermined amount of variation of pressure difference; and adjusting, with a filter of the controller, a value of the variation in the measured pressure difference due to an occurrence of turbulence in the flow of air at the first location.

[0072] Optionally, a value of the measured pressure difference that is greater than a first threshold value may be decreased, increasing a value of the measured pressure difference that is less than the first threshold value may be increased, or a combination thereof in response to a detected variation in the measured pressure difference that is greater than the predetermined amount of variation of pressure difference.

[0073] Optionally, monitoring the performance characteristic of the turbine may comprise: detecting turbulence in the flow of air at the first location; and altering, with an algorithm, the measured pressure difference.

[0074] Optionally, a pressure at the second location may be approximately equal to an ambient pressure outside of the vacuum device. [0075] Optionally, the second location may be fluidly isolated from an ambient environment external to the vacuum device.

[0076] Optionally, the flow of air may be passed through the filter element before measuring the pressure difference between the first location in the vacuum device and the second location in the vacuum device.

[0077] Optionally, the performance characteristic of the turbine may comprise a flow rate of the flow of air, wherein the method may further comprise: detecting the flow rate of the flow of air; determining, with the controller, if the flow rate of the flow of air is below a predetermined value; and providing a notification that the flow rate of the flow of air is less than the predetermined value.

[0078] Optionally, the performance characteristic of the turbine may comprise a flow rate of the flow of air, wherein the method may further comprise: detecting the flow rate of the flow of air; determining, with the controller, if the flow rate of the flow of air is below a predetermined value; and increasing the amount of voltage across the turbine in response to the flow rate of the air flow being less than the predetermined value.

[0079] A method of assembling a vacuum device includes mounting a turbine within the vacuum device. The turbine includes an inlet and an outlet and defines a downstream direction from the inlet to the outlet. The turbine is configured to draw a flow of air through a portion of the vacuum device. A filter element is positioned in fluid communication with and upstream from the turbine. A sensor is disposed inside of the vacuum device and is configured to sense a pressure difference between a first location inside of the vacuum device and a second location within the vacuum device. The first location is disposed upstream relative to a direction of the flow of air from the turbine. The first location is also disposed downstream relative to the direction of the flow of air from the filter element.

[0080] Each of these non-limiting examples can stand on its own or can be combined in various permutations or combinations with one or more of the other examples.

[0081] Optionally, fluidly connecting the sensor to the first location may comprise positioning the sensor in a portion of the vacuum device that is fluidly isolated from an ambient environment external to the vacuum device.

[0082] A vacuum device includes a turbine, a filter element, a housing, a sensor, and a controller. The turbine is configured to draw a flow of air a flow of air through a portion of the vacuum device. A filter element is disposed upstream from and in fluid communication with the turbine. The housing defines a chamber that is disposed upstream from and in fluid communication with the filter element. The sensor is disposed inside of the vacuum device to sense a pressure of the flow of air at a location between the filter element and the turbine. The sensor is configured to measure a pressure difference between the first location inside the vacuum device and a second location inside the vacuum device. The controller is electrically connected to the turbine and is configured to adjust an amount of voltage across the turbine in response to a measured pressure difference.

[0083] Each of these non-limiting examples can stand on its own or can be combined in various permutations or combinations with one or more of the other examples.

[0084] Optionally, the sensor may be disposed in a portion of the vacuum device that is fluidly isolated from an ambient environment external to the vacuum device.

[0085] The above detailed description includes references to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of the detailed description. The drawings show, by way of illustration, specific embodiments in which the disclosure can be practiced. These embodiments are also referred to herein as “examples.” Such examples can include elements in addition to those shown or described. However, the present inventors also contemplate examples in which only those elements shown or described are provided. Moreover, the present inventors also contemplate examples using any combination or permutation of those elements shown or described (or one or more aspects thereof), either with respect to a particular example (or one or more aspects thereof), or with respect to other examples (or one or more aspects thereof) shown or described herein.

[0086] In this document, the terms “a” or “an” are used, as is common in patent documents, to include one or more than one, independent of any other instances or usages of “at least one” or “one or more.” In this document, the term “or” is used to refer to a nonexclusive or, such that “A or B” includes “A but not B,” “B but not A,” and “A and B,” unless otherwise indicated. In this document, the terms “including” and “in which” are used as the plain-English equivalents of the respective terms “comprising” and “wherein.” Also, in the following claims, the terms “including” and “comprising” are open-ended, that is, a system, device, article, composition, formulation, or process that includes elements in addition to those listed after such a term in a claim are still deemed to fall within the scope of that claim. Moreover, in the following claims, the terms “first,” “second,” and “third,” etc. are used merely as labels, and are not intended to impose numerical requirements on their objects.

[0087] The above description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. For example, the above-described examples (or one or more aspects thereof) may be used in combination with each other. Other embodiments can be used, such as by one of ordinary skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. The Abstract is provided to comply with 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b), to allow the reader to quickly ascertain the nature of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. Also, in the above Detailed Description, various features may be grouped together to streamline the disclosure. This should not be interpreted as intending that an unclaimed disclosed feature is essential to any claim. Rather, inventive subject matter may lie in less than all features of a particular disclosed embodiment. Thus, the following claims are hereby incorporated into the Detailed Description as examples or embodiments, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment, and it is contemplated that such embodiments can be combined with each other in various combinations or permutations. The scope of the disclosure should be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.

Claims

1. A method (100) of operating a vacuum device (10), the method (100) comprising: operating the vacuum device (10), wherein operating the vacuum device (10) comprises: providing voltage across a turbine (18) of the vacuum device (10) to spin a rotary element (32) of the turbine (18); and drawing a flow of air (F) through a portion of the vacuum device (10) in response to spinning the rotary element (32) of the turbine (18); measuring, with a sensor (24), a pressure difference between a first location (46) inside the vacuum device (10) and a second location (50) inside the vacuum device (10), wherein the first location (46) is disposed upstream relative to a direction of the flow of air (F) from the turbine (18), wherein the first location (46) is disposed downstream relative to the direction of the flow of air (F) from a filter element (16) of the vacuum device (10); adjusting, with a controller (48), an amount of voltage across the turbine (18) in response to the measured pressure difference; and monitoring a performance characteristic of the turbine (18).

2. The method (100) of claim 1, wherein monitoring the performance characteristic of the turbine (18) comprises analyzing the performance characteristic of the turbine (18).

3. The method (100) of claim 1 or 2, wherein the performance characteristic of the turbine (18) comprises a flow rate of the flow of air (F), wherein analyzing the performance characteristic comprises determining whether a ratio of the measured pressure difference to the flow rate of the flow of air (F) is within a predetermined range.

4. The method (100) of claim 3, wherein the predetermined range of the ratio of the measured pressure difference to the flow rate of the flow of air (F) is from 0.18 to 5.

5. The method (100) of any of the claims 1 to 4, wherein measuring the pressure difference between the first location (46) in the vacuum device (10) and the second location (50) in the vacuum device (10) comprises: detecting a variation in the measured pressure difference that is greater than a predetermined amount of variation of pressure difference; and adjusting, with a filter of the controller (48), a value of the variation in the measured pressure difference due to an occurrence of turbulence in the flow of air (F) at the first location (46).

6. The method (100) of claim 5, further comprising decreasing a value of the measured pressure difference that is greater than a first threshold value, increasing a value of the measured pressure difference that is less than the first threshold value, or a combination thereof in response to a detected variation in the measured pressure difference that is greater than the predetermined amount of variation of pressure difference.

7. The method (100) of any of the claims 1 to 6, wherein monitoring the performance characteristic of the turbine (18) comprises: detecting turbulence in the flow of air (F) at the first location (46); and altering, with an algorithm, the measured pressure difference.

8. The method (100) of any of the claims 1 to 7, wherein a pressure at the second location (50) is approximately equal to an ambient pressure outside of the vacuum device (10).

9. The method (100) of any of the claims 1 to 8, wherein the second location (50) is fluidly isolated from an ambient environment (30) external to the vacuum device (10).

10. The method (100) of any of the claims 1 to 9, further comprising passing the flow of air (F) through the filter element (16) before measuring the pressure difference between the first location (46) in the vacuum device (10) and the second location (50) in the vacuum device

11. The method (100) of any of the claims 1 to 10, wherein the performance characteristic of the turbine (18) comprises a flow rate of the flow of air (F), wherein the method (100) further comprises: detecting the flow rate of the flow of air (F); determining, with the controller (48), if the flow rate of the flow of air (F) is below a predetermined value; and providing a notification that the flow rate of the flow of air (F) is less than the predetermined value.

12. The method (100) of any of the claims 1 to 11, wherein the performance characteristic of the turbine (18) comprises a flow rate of the flow of air (F), wherein the method (100) further comprises: detecting the flow rate of the flow of air (F); determining, with the controller (48), if the flow rate of the flow of air (F) is below a predetermined value; and increasing an amount of voltage across the turbine (18) in response to the flow rate of the flow of air (F) being less than the predetermined value.

13. A method (100, 200) of assembling a vacuum device (10) with a housing (12), the method (100, 200) comprising: mounting a turbine (18) within the vacuum device (10), the turbine (18) with an inlet (34) and an outlet (36), wherein the turbine (18) defines a downstream direction from the inlet (34) of the turbine (18) to the outlet (36) of the turbine (18), wherein the turbine (18) is configured to draw a flow of air (F) through a portion of the vacuum device (10); positioning a filter element (16) in fluid communication with and upstream from the turbine (18); disposing a sensor (24) inside of the vacuum device (10), wherein the sensor (24) is configured to sense a pressure difference between a first location (46) inside of the vacuum device (10) and a second location (50) within the vacuum device (10), wherein the first location (46) is disposed upstream relative to a direction of the flow of air (F) from the turbine (18), wherein the first location (46) is disposed downstream relative to the direction of the flow of air (F) from the filter element (16); and fluidly connecting the sensor (24) to the first location (46) disposed between the filter element (16) and the turbine (18).

14. The method (100, 200) of claim 13, wherein fluidly connecting the sensor (24) to the first location (46) comprises positioning the sensor (24) in a portion of the vacuum device (10) that is fluidly isolated from an ambient environment (30) external to the vacuum device (10).

15. A vacuum device (10) comprising: a turbine (18) configured to draw a flow of air (F) through a portion of the vacuum device (10); a filter element (16) disposed upstream from and in fluid communication with the turbine (18); a housing (12) defining a chamber (14) therein, wherein the chamber (14) is disposed upstream from and in fluid communication with the filter element (16); a sensor (24) disposed inside of the vacuum device (10) to sense a pressure of the flow of air (F) at a first location (46) between the filter element (16) and the turbine (18); wherein the sensor (24) is configured to measure a pressure difference between the first location (46) inside the vacuum device (10) and a second location (48) inside the vacuum device (10); and a controller (48) electrically connected to the turbine (18), wherein the controller (48) is configured to adjust an amount of electrical power supplied to the turbine (18) in response to a measured pressure difference.

16. The vacuum device (10) of claim 15, wherein the sensor (24) is disposed in a portion of the vacuum device (10) that is fluidly isolated from an ambient environment external to the vacuum device (10).