Clothes processing device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional laundry treatment apparatuses face challenges in actively resolving unbalanced states of drums during rotation, leading to increased transient vibration and requiring excessive time to reach a balanced state due to passive unbalance control mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A laundry treatment apparatus with a balancing unit movably disposed in a closed loop receiving space, actuated by a rotating gear or chain mechanism, allowing precise control and independent resolution of unbalanced states without relying on drum rotation, featuring a ring and balancing units connected to an actuator for 360-degree movement within the space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a ball balancer or fluid balancer is used for passive unbalance control, then the unbalanced state can be resolved when vibration reaches steady state, but transient vibration increases and excessive time is required to reach balanced state
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by using an actuator to actively move the balancing unit to the appropriate position before the drum reaches steady-state rotation. This proactive adjustment during transient states prevents excessive vibration from developing, rather than passively responding after vibration has already increased. The actuator receives signals from a sensor detecting drum vibration and preemptively repositions the balancing unit to counteract unbalance forces.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements self-service through a closed-loop control mechanism where a sensor detects drum vibration and unbalance conditions, automatically signals the actuator, which then repositions the balancing unit without external intervention. This self-regulating system continuously monitors and adjusts the balancing unit position based on real-time drum conditions, eliminating the need for manual adjustment or external control systems.
2Reliability
If a ball balancer or fluid balancer is used for passive unbalance control, then the unbalanced state can be resolved, but transient vibration is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator proactively repositions the balancing unit during transient states before excessive vibration develops, rather than waiting for steady-state conditions. By detecting unbalance forces through the sensor and immediately adjusting the balancing unit position, the system prevents transient vibration from increasing to harmful levels.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs feedback control where a sensor continuously monitors drum vibration and unbalance conditions, providing real-time information to the actuator. This closed-loop feedback mechanism allows the system to detect and respond to unbalance forces as they develop, dynamically adjusting the balancing unit position to minimize transient vibration and maintain stable operation.
3Reliability
If a ball balancer or fluid balancer is used, then unbalance control is achieved through passive movement, but precise control of balancing unit position cannot be performed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements precise position control through feedback control, where a sensor detects the drum's vibration and unbalance conditions, automatically signals the actuator to move the balancing unit to the appropriate position. This closed-loop system continuously monitors and adjusts the balancing unit position with precision, ensuring optimal placement for counteracting unbalance forces.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces passive mechanical balancing mechanisms (ball balancers or fluid balancers that rely on gravity and inertia) with an active actuated system. The actuator, controlled by electrical or electronic signals from the sensor, precisely positions the balancing unit without relying on passive mechanical forces, enabling accurate and dynamic position control during drum operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A clothes processing device comprising: a cabinet; a tub which is provided inside the cabinet and stores washing water therein; a drum which is rotatably provided inside the tub and stores clothes therein; a housing fixed to the drum; an accommodation space which is provided inside the housing and forms a closed curve; a balancing unit which is provided to be movable inside the accommodation space so as to solve an unbalanced state of the drum; a ring connected to the balancing unit in order to move the balancing unit; and an operation part for moving the ring, wherein the balancing unit is rotatable by 360 degrees along the accommodation space.