Washing appliance and determination method for locking a drum of washing appliance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing top-opening-door type washing machines face issues with low drum locking accuracy, affecting user convenience and the reliability of the drum's locking mechanism.
Innovation Solution
A determination method for locking the drum using a drum motor and a locking structure, where the drum is driven to rotate at a set power output, and the locking structure determines lock success by measuring the output current, with a bolt and locking motor aligning with a rotor groove for precise locking, and an alarm triggered for repeated failure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a simple locking structure is used, then device complexity is reduced, but drum locking accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs feedback control by monitoring the output current of the drum motor during the locking process. When the locking structure successfully locks the drum, the motor current increases beyond the rated current due to the mechanical engagement resistance. This current feedback mechanism enables accurate determination of locking success without adding complex mechanical sensors or detection devices, thus improving locking accuracy while maintaining structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical detection mechanisms with an electrical measurement approach. Instead of using mechanical switches, position sensors, or complex linkage systems to detect drum locking status, the invention utilizes electrical current measurement from the existing motor system. This substitution simplifies the overall structure while providing reliable locking accuracy determination through electrical parameters.
2Reliability
If the drum motor continuously rotates at set power output, then locking action is maintained, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by controlling the drum motor to rotate at set power output only during specific phases of the locking process. The motor operates at full power when the locking structure is engaging the drum, then reduces or stops rotation once locking is confirmed through current monitoring. This periodic operation pattern ensures reliable locking action while minimizing unnecessary energy consumption during non-locking periods.
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
Improves the accuracy of drum locking by ensuring the drum is securely locked when the output current exceeds the rated current, enhancing user experience and appliance reliability.
Implementation Method 1
drum motor for driving a drum to rotate
Implementation Method 2
locking motor for driving a bolt to stretch out and draw back in radial direction
Data Source
AI summary
Washing appliance and a determination method for locking of a drum thereof. The washing appliance includes a drum for containing washing water, a drum motor for driving the drum to rotate and a locking structure for locking the drum. The drum motor drives the drum to rotate at a set power output, the locking structure generates a locking action for locking the drum, and until an output current of the drum motor is larger than a rated current, it is determined that the drum is locked by the locking structure; by comparing the output current of the drum motor with the rated current, until the output current of the drum motor is larger than the rated current. Whether the drum is locked by the locking structure or not can be accurately determined through the above determination, and therefore the drum locking accuracy can be improved.