Driving apparatus for direct-drive type washing machine
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional direct-drive type washing machines require a clutch and clutch actuator to rotate the dehydrating tub and pulsator, increasing manufacturing costs and complexity, and do not allow for independent rotation of these components, leading to poor performance.
Innovation Solution
A driving apparatus with a double rotor and double stator motor system that eliminates the need for a separate clutch, allowing the dehydrating tub and pulsator to be rotated independently by controlling AC power to the stator coils, enabling different rotation directions and modes of operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a clutch and clutch actuator are used to control rotation of the dehydrating tub and pulsator, then torque delivery to rotating components is achieved, but manufacturing cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The clutch and clutch actuator components are completely removed from the washing machine driving system. Instead of using a clutch mechanism to engage and disengage torque transmission, the patent uses a motor controller to selectively activate stator coils, which directly controls rotor rotation without requiring mechanical clutch components.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical clutch system is replaced with an electrical control system. The motor controller uses electrical signals to control the stator coils, which generate magnetic fields to rotate the rotors. This substitution eliminates the need for mechanical clutch components while achieving the same functional outcome of selective rotation control.
2Device complexity
If a clutch mechanism is used to deliver torque to the pulsator and dehydrating tub, then torque transmission is achieved, but the structure becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The motor with multiple stators and rotors serves multiple functions: it can rotate the pulsator only, rotate the dehydrating tub only, or rotate both simultaneously by selectively activating different stator coil combinations. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate clutch mechanisms for each rotation mode.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses dynamic electrical control to achieve different rotation modes. The motor controller dynamically adjusts which stator coils are activated based on the desired operation mode, providing flexible and dynamic control over the rotation of the pulsator and dehydrating tub without mechanical switching components.
3Productivity
If the pulsator and dehydrating tub are rotated in the same direction, then simple torque delivery is achieved, but washing performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The motor is segmented into multiple independent stators and rotors, allowing independent control of the pulsator and dehydrating tub rotation. Each stator-rotor pair can be controlled separately, enabling the system to rotate components in different directions as needed for optimal washing performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters by controlling the phase and direction of current supplied to different stator coils. By adjusting these electrical parameters, the motor can easily reverse rotation direction of specific rotors, enabling the pulsator and dehydrating tub to rotate in opposite directions for improved washing 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 solution simplifies manufacturing, reduces costs, and enhances washing machine performance by enabling selective and efficient rotation of the dehydrating tub and pulsator, improving washing and rinsing efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a drive motor comprising a double rotor including an outer rotor that is connected to the pulsator rotating shaft and an inner rotor that is connected to the dehydrating tub rotating shaft, and a double stator including a first stator coil for rotating the outer rotor and a second stator coil for rotating the inner rotor
Data Source
AI summary
A driving apparatus for a direct-drive type washing machine includes a support member that is fixed to the lower side of a washing tub; a dehydrating tub rotating shaft that is rotatably supported on the support member and that is connected to a dehydrating tub to rotate the dehydrating tub; a pulsator rotating shaft that is rotatably arranged in the inside of the dehydrating tub rotating shaft and that is connected to a pulsator to rotate the pulsator; a drive motor comprising a double rotor including an outer rotor that is connected to the pulsator rotating shaft and an inner rotor that is connected to the dehydrating tub rotating shaft, and a double stator including a first stator coil for rotating the outer rotor and a second stator coil for rotating the inner rotor; and a motor drive unit that generates alternating-current (AC) power according to a washing control signal.