Driving device for washing machine
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Solution Overview
Problem
Washing machines are inefficient during both washing and dehydrating procedures due to motor inefficiencies at low and high speeds, leading to high energy consumption.
Innovation Solution
A driving device for washing machines incorporating a shaft, motor assembly, fixation bodies, and an electronic clutch, which allows the motor to operate at a constant speed by adjusting speed and torque using a magnetic gear system, enabling low-speed high-torque and high-speed low-torque modes through a deceleration gear that can be detached during dehydration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If the motor is driven at low speeds with high torque during washing procedure, then the washing function is achieved, but the motor efficiency is low and energy consumption is high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the power transmission path by introducing a magnetic gear system with modular components (magnet array on rotor, magnetic gear rotating body, modulator) that can be independently optimized. This allows the motor to operate at its efficient high-speed range while the magnetic gear system provides the necessary torque multiplication for washing, separating the motor's optimal operating range from the load requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical gear systems with a magnetic gear system that uses magnetic fields for torque transmission. The magnetic gear rotating body and modulator interact through magnetic attraction and repulsion forces, eliminating the need for physical meshing gears. This substitution reduces mechanical losses and allows for more efficient torque transmission while maintaining motor efficiency.
2Speed
If the motor is driven at high speeds with low torque during dehydrating procedure, then the dehydration function is achieved, but the motor efficiency is low and energy consumption is high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic adaptability through the electronic clutch and variable magnetic gear ratio system. The electronic clutch can engage or disengage the magnetic gear system based on operational mode, allowing the motor to operate at constant high speeds during dehydration without the energy-wasting torque multiplication needed during washing. The system dynamically adjusts the power transmission path to match operational requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic gear system serves multiple functions: during washing, it provides torque multiplication; during dehydration, it can be disengaged via the electronic clutch, allowing direct high-speed motor operation. This multi-functionality enables a single motor design to efficiently handle both low-speed high-torque and high-speed low-torque requirements without compromising energy efficiency in either mode.
3Force
If a traditional mechanical gear system is used for speed reduction, then torque is increased, but the device complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical gear trains with a magnetic gear system consisting of a magnet array on the rotor, a magnetic gear rotating body, and a modulator. These components interact through magnetic fields without physical contact or meshing, significantly reducing mechanical complexity, eliminating lubrication requirements, and reducing the number of moving parts while achieving the same torque multiplication effect.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic gear rotating body and modulator can be designed as thin-walled or lightweight structures since they transmit torque through magnetic fields rather than rigid mechanical connections. This allows for reduced material usage and lower overall system weight while maintaining structural integrity and torque transmission capability.
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 reduces electric consumption, enhances motor efficiency, allows for a more lightweight product, and increases torque, improving energy efficiency and applicability to large-capacity washing machines.
Implementation Method 1
a magnetic gear rotating body (117) placed to wrap the modulator (115), and speed and torque of the magnetic gear rotating body (117) are adjusted by the modulator (115) in order for the magnetic gear rotating body (117) to rotate
Data Source
AI summary
A driving device for a washing machine includes: a shaft including an inner shaft and an outer shaft surrounding the inner shaft; a motor assembly including a stator, a rotor that surrounds the stator, a modulator that surrounds the rotor, and a magnetic gear rotating body that surrounds the modulator; a first fixation body that connects between the inner shaft and the magnetic gear rotating body; a second fixation body having one end connected to the stator and the other end connected to a tub; and an electronic clutch that disconnects the outer shat and the rotor or connects the inner shaft and the rotor according to an operation mode of the washing machine. The modulator adjusts a speed and torque of the magnetic gear rotating body. The driving device may make a motor drive area highly efficient and may reduce electric consumption.