Washer Drum Lifter Reservoir Balancing for Load Vibration Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Laundry treating appliances, such as clothes washers, often experience vibration and noise due to unevenly distributed laundry in the drum, which existing balancing systems fail to adequately address.
Innovation Solution
A balancing system with first and second reservoir chambers in the drum's lifters, coupled with a liquid supply system, actively detects and corrects imbalances by strategically supplying liquid to counterbalance the drum during operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a traditional damping system (suspension system or passive balancing system) is used, then the structure is simple, but the vibration and noise reduction effectiveness is insufficient when laundry is unevenly distributed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic balancing by allowing the drum to rotate at variable speeds and positions, combined with real-time sensor feedback to detect imbalance conditions. The system actively adjusts operational parameters (speed, position) to maintain balance, transforming a static balancing approach into a dynamic one that adapts to changing laundry distribution during the wash cycle.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism using sensors (such as accelerometers or vibration sensors) to continuously monitor drum vibration and imbalance conditions. The sensor data is fed back to the control system, which then adjusts the motor speed or position to correct imbalance, creating a closed-loop control system that actively responds to imbalance conditions rather than relying on passive mechanical balancing.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If an active balancing system with sensors is employed, then the vibration and noise reduction effectiveness is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical balancing mechanisms (such as movable counterweights or adjustable suspension elements) with an electronic control system that uses sensors and motor control to achieve balancing. This substitution of mechanical systems with electronic/control systems reduces mechanical complexity while maintaining or improving balancing effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent achieves balancing by changing operational parameters (motor speed, rotational position, acceleration rates) rather than physically altering the mechanical structure. The control system adjusts these parameters in real-time based on sensor feedback, allowing the same mechanical structure to operate in balanced states under different parameter conditions.
3Productivity
If the drum rotates at high speed, then the washing efficiency is improved, but the vibration and noise generated from imbalance increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic acceleration and deceleration cycles, alternating between high-speed washing phases and low-speed balancing phases. During high-speed phases, washing efficiency is maximized; during low-speed phases, the system performs balance corrections and redistributes laundry to minimize vibration for the next high-speed cycle, creating a periodic pattern of wash-balance-wash-balance.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts rotational speed based on real-time balance conditions, transitioning between high-speed operation (for washing efficiency) and low-speed operation (for balance correction). This dynamic speed control allows the system to optimize both washing efficiency and vibration reduction by adapting operational speed to current load distribution.
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
Effectively reduces vibration and noise by ensuring even distribution of laundry loads, enhancing the operational efficiency and user experience of laundry treating appliances.
Implementation Method 1
When the drum 16 rotates, liquid introduced into the supply conduit 214 is forced outwardly by centrifugal force, which naturally drives the liquid along the angled supply conduit 214 from the inlet opening 234 to the outlet opening 212
Data Source
AI summary
A laundry treating appliance having a drum, defining a treating chamber, with a lifter and a balancing system having at least one balancing ring and a reservoir located in the lifter and a liquid supply system fluidly coupled to the reservoir. Liquid may be supplied to the ring and to the reservoir through the ring to offset an imbalance in a laundry load located within the drum.