Washing apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
In drum type washing machines, power consumption increases due to contra-rotating washing, which rotates the drum and pulsator in opposite directions, while maintaining effective washing performance is challenging.
Innovation Solution
A washing apparatus and control method that includes a rotatable drum and pulsator, where a controller adjusts the rotational speed and torque of the pulsator based on the position of laundry within the drum, using reference positions and drive current to optimize energy use during washing, rinsing, and spinning cycles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If contra-rotating washing is performed by rotating drum and pulsator in opposite directions, then washing performance is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the pulsator's rotational speed variable rather than constant. The controller dynamically adjusts the pulsator's speed based on the detected position of laundry within the drum, allowing the system to optimize power consumption while maintaining washing effectiveness. This is achieved through real-time monitoring and adaptive speed control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of pulsator rotational speed from a fixed value to a variable parameter that depends on laundry position. By detecting whether laundry is at the high point or low point of the drum and adjusting the pulsator speed accordingly (higher at high point, lower at low point), the system achieves both good washing performance and reduced power consumption.
2Reliability
If pulsator rotational speed is increased to improve washing performance, then cleaning effectiveness is enhanced, but energy wastage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by not maintaining maximum pulsator speed throughout the entire washing cycle. Instead, the pulsator operates at higher speed only when needed (when laundry is at the high point requiring more agitation) and at lower speed when less agitation is needed (when laundry is at the low point), thus avoiding unnecessary energy consumption while maintaining cleaning effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic variation in pulsator speed that corresponds to the periodic motion of laundry during drum rotation. The pulsator speed is modulated in sync with the laundry's position cycle (high point to low point and back), creating a rhythmic pattern of high and low speed operation that matches the washing needs at different phases of the cycle.
3Reliability
If pulsator speed is constantly high to prevent laundry jamming, then washing reliability is maintained, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs feedback control by using a sensor to detect the position of laundry and using this information to adjust the pulsator speed in real-time. This closed-loop control ensures that the pulsator operates at appropriate speeds to prevent jamming while minimizing energy consumption, as the system responds to actual laundry position rather than operating at fixed high speed.
Data Source
AI summary
A washing apparatus is provided. The washing apparatus includes a tub, a drum configured to be rotatable in the tub, a pulsator configured to be rotatable in the drum, a driver configured to drive the drum and the pulsator, and a controller configured to control the driver to rotate the pulsator to a second direction while rotating the drum to a first direction. The controller controls the driver to drive the pulsator based on a position of laundry accommodated in the drum during a rotation of the drum.