Laundry treatment apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional laundry treatment apparatuses face challenges in actively resolving unbalanced rotation of drums, as existing balancers are ineffective during transient vibrations and can suffer from structural deformation and safety issues due to direct electrical connections and soldering.
Innovation Solution
A laundry treatment apparatus with independently movable balancing units, equipped with a brush that is removably coupled to a connector and made of an elastic material, to address unbalanced rotation and improve durability and safety by using a power terminal housing for secure electrical connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a ball balancer or fluid balancer is used to control unbalance, then unbalance control is effective under steady state vibration conditions, but satisfactory effects cannot be obtained under transient vibration conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs active balancing units that can dynamically adjust their positions and independently respond to unbalance conditions. The balancing units are equipped with actuators that enable real-time movement to counteract both steady-state and transient vibrations, transforming a static balancing system into a dynamic one that adapts to changing vibration conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates vibration sensors and control systems that continuously monitor drum vibration and provide feedback to the balancing units. This feedback mechanism enables the system to detect transient vibrations and actively adjust the balancing units' positions to counteract the unbalance, resolving the contradiction between steady-state effectiveness and transient response capability.
2Reliability
If a brush is directly connected to a power cable through soldering, then electrical connection is established, but durability deteriorates due to structural deformation and soldering issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a connector as an intermediary component between the brush and the power cable. This connector provides a mechanical and electrical interface that eliminates the need for direct soldering, reducing stress concentration and potential failure points. The connector absorbs mechanical deformation while maintaining stable electrical contact, thereby improving both reliability and durability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the electrical connection system into separate modular components: the brush, the connector, and the power cable. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and facilitates easy replacement of the brush without affecting the entire electrical system, thereby improving durability and maintainability.
3Use of energy by moving object
If a balancer is connected by a wire for power supply, then electricity is supplied to the balancer, but safety problems occur due to water introduction into the drum
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a connector as an intermediary that provides electrical isolation and protection. The connector design includes insulation and sealing features that prevent water from reaching the electrical connection points, thereby eliminating the safety hazard while maintaining power supply functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the conventional wired electrical connection with a contactless power transmission system. By using electromagnetic induction or other wireless power transfer technologies, the system eliminates the physical wire that could be compromised by water, ensuring safety while maintaining power supply to the balancer.
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
The apparatus effectively attenuates unbalanced states in drums, reduces the risk of structural deformation, and ensures safe and reliable electrical connections, enhancing the overall performance and safety of the laundry treatment process.
Implementation Method 1
a brush contacting the housing power line
Implementation Method 2
a brush that is removably coupled to a connector and made of an elastic material
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3(a)~3(b)
AI summary
A laundry treatment apparatus including a cabinet forming an appearance of the apparatus, a drum rotatably disposed in the cabinet, a housing fixed to the drum, an accommodation space defined within the housing forming a closed loop, a balancing unit movably disposed in the accommodation space, and a housing power line provided at an inner circumferential surface of the housing to supply power to the balancing unit, wherein the balancing unit includes a unit body, a motor for moving the unit body, a brush contacting the housing power line, and a power terminal housing fixed to the unit body and having a space in which the brush is removably installed.