Automatic washing machine and control method
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing washing machines face issues with noise, vibration, and energy consumption due to the use of deceleration clutches and direct drive motors, which also result in instability and inefficient speed control, leading to increased energy usage and poor washing performance.
Innovation Solution
A double rotor direct drive motor system with a deceleration mechanism that allows one rotor to drive the pulsator and another to drive the inner tub, using a gear mechanism to achieve synchronized or opposing rotation, with a deceleration ratio of 1/10 to 1/2, optimizing energy use and reducing noise and vibration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a deceleration clutch with intermediate gear structure is used in direct drive motor, then the speed control is improved, but the vertical height of the system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent places the deceleration clutch inside the direct drive motor housing, nesting the gear structure within the motor assembly. This integration allows the deceleration mechanism to be contained within the motor's vertical space, avoiding additional height while maintaining speed control functionality through the intermediate gear structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the deceleration clutch and direct drive motor into a single integrated assembly. By merging these two components, the system achieves both speed control and compact vertical profile, as the deceleration mechanism shares the motor housing space rather than adding separate external components.
2Device complexity
If deceleration clutch and motor are laterally arranged at the bottom of outer tub, then the structure is compact, but the center of gravity is offset causing instability and increased noise and vibration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the deceleration clutch and motor assembly at the center of the outer tub bottom, using the symmetric arrangement to balance the center of gravity. This central positioning acts as a counterbalance to offset any gravitational imbalance, reducing vibrations and noise while maintaining structural compactness.
3Loss of energy
If direct drive motor without belt pulley is used, then transmission efficiency is improved, but the high speed of motor requires intermediate gear structure increasing system height
Solution Approach 1:
The patent nests the intermediate gear structure of the deceleration clutch within the direct drive motor housing. This allows the system to maintain high transmission efficiency by eliminating belt pulleys while accommodating the necessary gear structure for speed reduction without increasing the overall vertical height.
4Device complexity
If floating clutch mechanism is used, then the structure is simple and cost is low, but larger washing water is required and it is difficult to lift at low water level
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the water-dependent floating clutch mechanism with an electrically actuated clutch system. This substitution eliminates the need for water to lift the clutch mechanism, allowing operation at low water levels while maintaining structural simplicity and low cost through the use of electromagnetic or electric actuators instead of complex mechanical floating components.
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 configuration reduces energy consumption by up to 20-40% and improves washing efficiency by maintaining optimal speed ranges, while minimizing noise and vibration, and reducing wear on components.
Implementation Method 1
driving means comprising two rotors (41, 42), a stator (43) and a deceleration mechanism (5)
Data Source
AI summary
A washing machine comprises an outer tub, an inner tub, a pulsator and a driving means having two rotors, a stator and a deceleration mechanism. One rotor drives the pulsator, and the other rotor drives the inner tub. During washing, the two rotors drive the pulsator and the inner tub to rotate in the same or opposite directions, and during dehydration, the pulsator and the inner tub rotate in the same direction and at the same speed. The automatic washing machine saves on energy consumption, has stable output and has high transmission efficiency.