Controlling method of washing machine

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing washing machines experience a current peak issue where the motor's current intensity increases sharply at the initial stage of drum rotation, leading to potential safety problems and inefficiencies.

Innovation Solution

A method controlling the washing machine involves an observing motion where the drum is rotated to a preset reference angle opposite to the intended direction, followed by an acceleration motion using the measured maximum current intensity, and then an inertia motion to utilize potential energy, preventing the current peak by shifting the current intensity after the acceleration phase.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If the drum is directly rotated from stationary state in the preset direction, then the drum motion can be started quickly, but a current peak occurs where the current intensity increases sharply at the initial stage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedrum rotation speedVSAvoidcurrent peak
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by performing an observing motion in the reverse direction before the main drum motion. This preliminary rotation in the opposite direction prepares the drum and laundry load, allowing the subsequent acceleration in the preset direction to occur without a sharp current peak. The observing motion establishes initial conditions that prevent the harmful current surge during the intended washing direction rotation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Object-affected harmful factors

If the drum is rotated slowly from stationary state, then the current peak is reduced, but the washing time is increased

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecurrent peakVSAvoidwashing time
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs periodic action through the observing motion followed by the acceleration motion. The drum first rotates in the reverse direction (observing phase), then transitions to the preset direction (acceleration phase). This periodic back-and-forth motion pattern allows the system to build momentum smoothly, reducing current peak while maintaining efficient washing time by not requiring continuously slow rotation throughout the entire cycle.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic 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 method effectively prevents the sharp increase in motor current intensity, enhancing the washing machine's efficiency and safety by optimizing the initial drum rotation process.

Implementation Method 1

a motor for rotating the drum

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic conversion: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

the supply of the current is cut off so that the drum rotates by inertia

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectInertia: Inertia

Data Source

PatentEP2465991B1Controlling method of washing machine
Publication Date: 2022.08.03 LG ELECTRONICS INC
  • EP2465991B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2465991B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2465991B1 patent drawingFigure 3(a)~3(d)

AI summary

The present invention relates to a method for controlling a washing machine which is provided with a drum motion for rotating a drum having laundry introduced thereto in a preset direction by using a motor. The method includes the steps of an observing motion performed before the drum motion is preformed, and an acceleration motion performed in succession to the observing motion.