Drawer-Type Washing Machine Door Sensing for Safe Discharge Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional laundry treatment apparatuses face challenges in accurately determining whether the door for the introduction aperture is opened, especially due to external vibrations, and in allowing the drawer to be discharged without interference from the door, while also ensuring correct notification to the user.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus employs a door sensing unit with magnetic-force generators and sensors to determine the state of the door and a guide to prevent door interference during drawer discharge, along with a notification system using display units to inform the user of the door's state and drawer insertion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a door sensing unit is used to determine whether the door is opened, then the door state can be accurately sensed, but the device complexity increases due to additional magnetic-force generators and sensors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical door state detection mechanisms with a magnetic field-based sensing system. Magnetic-force generators and sensors are used to detect door opening/closing states without mechanical contact, eliminating the need for complex mechanical linkages, switches, or physical sensors while achieving accurate door state determination.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces magnetic field as an intermediary between the door and the control system. Magnetic-force generators create magnetic fields that interact with magnetic sensors to transmit door state information without direct physical connection, serving as a non-contact mediator that simplifies the overall sensing mechanism while maintaining detection accuracy.
2Measurement precision
If the door sensing unit continuously monitors the door state, then the door opening can be accurately detected, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic or event-triggered monitoring of the door state rather than continuous monitoring. The magnetic sensors detect changes in magnetic field strength that occur when the door opens or closes, and the controller activates only when a change is detected, reducing energy consumption while maintaining accurate detection of door opening events.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent sets predetermined reference values for magnetic field strength that indicate door opening/closing states. The system continuously monitors but only triggers actions when the magnetic field strength exceeds or falls below these predetermined thresholds, allowing the system to prepare for detection without continuously consuming energy for active processing.
3Ease of operation
If the drawer is allowed to be discharged when the door is opened, then the user convenience is improved, but the risk of incorrect operation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the door sensing unit to provide real-time feedback about the door state to the controller. The controller receives information about whether the door is opened or closed and uses this feedback to determine whether to allow drawer discharge, creating a closed-loop control system that balances user convenience with operational safety based on actual door state conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic control of the drawer discharge function based on door state. The system adaptively changes its behavior - allowing discharge when the door is closed and preventing discharge when the door is opened - making the operation rules flexible and context-dependent rather than fixed, thereby improving both convenience and safety.
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 solution accurately senses the door's opening state, prevents incorrect determination due to vibrations, allows smooth drawer discharge, and notifies the user effectively, enhancing user interaction and operational reliability.
Implementation Method 1
a first magnetic-force generator that is configured to generate magnetic force and that is located in one of the cabinet or the door
Implementation Method 2
a first magnetic-force sensor that is configured to sense a magnitude of the magnetic force generated by the first magnetic-force generator and that is located in the other of the cabinet and the door
Data Source
AI summary
A laundry treatment apparatus includes a cabinet having an introduction/discharge opening, a drawer configured so as to be discharged from the cabinet through the introduction/discharge opening, a through-hole formed in an upper surface of the drawer, a tub that is located inside the drawer and that defines a space that is configured to receive water, an introduction aperture formed in an upper surface of the tub, the introduction aperture being located under the through-hole, a drum rotatably provided inside the tub for receiving laundry supplied to the introduction aperture, a door that is configured to open and close the introduction aperture, the door being coupled to one of the drawer or the tub, and a door sensing unit that is configured to determine whether the door is opened during a state in which the drawer is inserted into the cabinet.