Centrifugal Machine Spin Control Using Real-Time Weight Feedback

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for operating centrifugal machines with drums are inaccurate when dealing with partially or fully damp laundry, as they do not adjust spin time based on the amount of water removed, leading to insufficient dewatering and prolonged drying processes.

Innovation Solution

A method that continuously measures the weight of laundry at predetermined intervals during the spin phase, comparing weight differences to determine when to end the spin phase, allowing for adjustment of spin time based on dewatering quantity, and optionally varying drum speed to optimize dewatering and protect the machine and laundry.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If spin time is fixed based on initial laundry weight, then the control method is simple, but the spin time is not adjusted to the actual amount of dewatering leading to insufficient dewatering or unnecessary prolongation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedewatering efficiencyVSAvoidcontrol method complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system continuously monitors the weight of laundry during the spin phase and uses this feedback to dynamically adjust the spin time. The control device compares the current weight with the initial weight to calculate actual water removal, then extends or shortens spin duration accordingly, replacing fixed-time control with adaptive feedback-based control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary weight measurement before the spin phase to establish a baseline, and continuously monitors weight during spinning. This preliminary and ongoing measurement enables the control device to make informed adjustments to spin time based on actual dewatering progress rather than relying on predetermined fixed durations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Manufacturing precision

If spin time is extended to ensure sufficient dewatering, then dewatering completeness improves, but mechanical stress on laundry and machine increases leading to crease formation and reduced service life

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresidual moisture consistencyVSAvoidmechanical stress and crease formation
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts spin time during the spin phase based on real-time weight measurements and calculated dewatering rates. Instead of using a static fixed spin time, the control device continuously adapts the spinning duration to match the actual water removal progress, extending spin only as long as necessary to achieve target residual moisture levels.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the operational parameter of spin time based on measured weight differences and calculated dewatering quantities. By adjusting spin time as a variable parameter rather than a fixed value, the system optimizes the balance between achieving sufficient dewatering and minimizing mechanical stress on the laundry and machine components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If weight is determined continuously during spin phase, then spin time can be adapted to dewatering quantity, but measurement and control complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespin time optimizationVSAvoidweight measurement frequency
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs weight measurements at multiple discrete points during the spin phase rather than truly continuous measurement. This partial sampling approach provides sufficient data to calculate dewatering quantity and adjust spin time, while avoiding the excessive complexity and resource requirements of truly continuous real-time monitoring.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

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 ensures repeatable residual moisture levels, reduces mechanical stress and crease formation, shortens total program times, and extends the service life of the centrifugal machine by adapting spin time to water removal, while maintaining consistent moisture levels and protecting against imbalances.

Implementation Method 1

laundry is spun in the drum in a spin phase

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCentrifugal force: Centrifugal Force

Implementation Method 2

a weight of the laundry in the drum is determined at several points in time in the spin phase

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGravitation: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentEP2952620B1Method for operating a centrifugal machine and centrifugal machine
Publication Date: 2017.08.16 MIELE & CO KG
  • EP2952620B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for operating a centrifugal machine with a drum, in which laundry is spun in the drum in a spin phase and a weight of the laundry (G, G1, G2) in the drum is measured at several points in time (3, 31, 32) in the spin phase is determined. The spinning phase ends when a weight difference (Δ G1) between two weights (G1, G2) determined at two different points in time (31, 32) is less than a predetermined weight difference (Δ GS). Furthermore, the invention relates to a correspondingly designed centrifugal machine.