Drum Washing Motion Control Using Alternating Torque Braking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional drum type washing machines lack variability in washing motions, which can lead to inadequate cleaning performance and potential damage to laundry, while also resulting in excessive wear and heat generation due to inefficient braking methods.
Innovation Solution
The washing machine employs a controller to alternately pivot the rotary drum using forward and reverse torque, incorporating negative-phase and dynamic braking techniques to control the drum's rotational speed and direction, creating specific motions that optimize laundry lifting and dropping to enhance cleaning efficiency and minimize damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional drum type washing machines use simple rotation without alternating torque, then the device complexity is reduced, but the washing performance becomes inadequate and laundry may be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The washing machine controller alternately applies forward and reverse torque to the drum in periodic cycles, creating varied washing motions that lift and drop laundry repeatedly. This periodic action enhances washing performance by preventing stagnation and improving cleaning effectiveness without requiring complex mechanical modifications to the drum structure itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the drum's rotational characteristics by switching between forward and reverse torque application. This dynamic control creates adaptive washing motions that respond to different laundry types and washing stages, improving reliability while using the existing motor and controller infrastructure.
2Reliability
If conventional washing machines use inefficient braking methods, then the device complexity is reduced, but excessive wear and heat generation occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical braking systems with electrical braking methods implemented through the motor controller. By using negative-phase braking and dynamic braking techniques, the system achieves effective drum speed control and stopping without excessive mechanical wear or heat generation, substituting electrical control for mechanical friction-based braking.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller implements braking control based on feedback from motor current and drum rotation state. The system monitors operational parameters and adjusts braking torque accordingly, enabling precise control that minimizes wear and heat generation while adapting to different washing conditions and laundry loads.
3Reliability
If drum rotation is continuous without speed variation, then the ease of operation is improved, but washing performance becomes inadequate due to lack of motion variability
Solution Approach 1:
The controller implements periodic variations in drum rotation by alternating forward and reverse torque application. This creates a rhythm of acceleration, deceleration, and direction change that generates varied washing motions, lifting and dropping laundry repeatedly to enhance cleaning performance while maintaining simple operational control through automated sequencing.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies reverse torque as a preliminary anti-action to counterbalance the forward rotation, creating controlled deceleration and direction reversal. This preliminary opposing action prevents excessive speed buildup and creates optimal conditions for laundry dropping and re-lifting, improving washing performance without requiring complex manual intervention.
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
This approach increases the impact on laundry for improved washing performance, reduces damage, allows for adaptable motion based on laundry type, and minimizes wear and heat generation through effective braking.
Implementation Method 1
applying forward torque to the drum so that laundry in the drum is rotated and lifted; braking the drum; and applying forward torque to the drum so that the dropped laundry is rotated and lifted again
Implementation Method 2
incorporating negative-phase and dynamic braking techniques to control the drum's rotational speed and direction
Implementation Method 3
incorporating negative-phase and dynamic braking techniques to control the drum's rotational speed and direction
Implementation Method 4
creating specific motions that optimize laundry lifting and dropping to enhance cleaning efficiency
Data Source
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AI summary
A washing machine and washing method therefor are provided. In the washing method, in which a drum of a drum type washing machine is rotated in a first direction, the method includes applying a first directional torque to the drum so that laundry in the drum is rotated and lifted; braking the drum so that the laundry is dropped; and then again applying the first directional torque to the drum so that the dropped laundry is rotated and lifted again.