Rotary Drum Balancer Power Feed for Vibration Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Washing machines face issues with unbalanced loads in rotary drums leading to vibration and noise, which can damage components, and existing balancers lack effective power transmission and malfunction diagnosis methods.
Innovation Solution
A washing machine with a balancer housing that supplies electric power to a balancing module using electrodes and connectors, and a control method to diagnose malfunctions by detecting electric signals, ensuring proper contact and operation of the balancer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a movable balancer is installed in the rotary drum to actively counterbalance unbalanced loads, then vibration and noise are reduced, but the complexity of power transmission increases due to the need for rotating power supply
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a flexible cable instead of rigid power transmission components to supply power to the movable balancer. The cable can bend and rotate freely, accommodating the dynamic movement of the balancer while transmitting electrical power, thus reducing mechanical complexity compared to rigid rotating connections
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical rotating power transmission systems with an electrical cable-based power supply system. This substitution eliminates the need for mechanical rotating joints and complex synchronization mechanisms, simplifying the overall power transmission structure
2Use of energy by moving object
If electrodes are provided inside the balancer housing to transmit electric power, then power transmission is achieved, but the risk of water ingress and electrical malfunction increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a waterproof seal as an intermediary element between the electrical components and the external environment. This seal acts as a barrier that prevents water from reaching the electrodes and electrical connections, thereby maintaining electrical reliability in the humid washing machine environment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a waterproof, protected environment around the electrical components by sealing the balancer housing. This effectively creates an 'inert' environment that excludes water and moisture, preventing electrical malfunctions caused by water ingress
3Adaptability or versatility
If the balancer is designed to move freely to counterbalance loads, then balancing performance is improved, but the difficulty of detecting malfunctions increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a malfunction detection system that provides feedback about the balancer's operational status. This system monitors the balancer's movement and electrical connections, alerting users to potential issues while maintaining the balancer's freedom to move for effective load counterbalancing
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A
Figure 2B
AI summary
Washing machine (1) including a rotary drum (30) and a balancer (100) to counterbalance an unbalanced load generated in the rotary drum (30), said balancer (100) includes a balancer housing (110) mounted to said rotary drum (30), and a balancing module (200a, 200b) having a moving unit (220) to move same inside the balancer housing (110), the balancer housing (110) further includes an electrode (111, 112) provided at its inner surface in a circumferential direction thereof in order to transmit electric power to the moving unit (220) of the balancing module (200a, 200b), an electric wire (112) electrically connected to the electrode (111, 112) in order to apply electric power from an external power source to said electrode (111, 112), and a connector (120) provided at an outer surface of the balancer housing (110) in order to electrically connect the electric wire (112) and the electrode (111, 112).