Clothing Dryer Drain Pump Control for Bubble-Induced Noise
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Solution Overview
Problem
The noise generated by the operation of a drain pump in clothing dryers is increased due to the air present in the condensate, which affects user experience.
Innovation Solution
A method of controlling the drain pump to remove air from the condensate before draining, by alternately driving the drain pump at a first rotational speed and stopping it a predetermined number of times during a bubble removal cycle, followed by a drainage cycle at a higher rotational speed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the drain pump operates at high rotational speed to improve drainage efficiency, then the drainage speed increases, but the noise level increases due to air present in the condensate
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs a preliminary bubble removal cycle before the main drainage operation. During this preliminary phase, the drain pump operates at a first rotational speed to remove air bubbles from the condensate in the water container and suction pipe, preparing the condensate for subsequent high-speed drainage without noise issues.
Solution Approach 2:
The drain pump operates in periodic cycles, alternating between a first rotational speed for bubble removal and a second rotational speed for drainage. The controller repeatedly drives the pump at the first speed for predetermined periods, then switches to the second speed, creating a periodic operation pattern that eliminates noise while maintaining efficiency.
2Loss of time
If the drain pump operates continuously at high speed, then drainage is completed faster, but air bubbles are not removed and noise is generated
Solution Approach 1:
Before initiating the main drainage process, the system performs a preliminary action of removing air bubbles by operating the drain pump at a lower first rotational speed. This preliminary bubble removal phase ensures that subsequent high-speed drainage occurs without air interference, preventing noise generation while maintaining fast drainage speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The drainage process is segmented into distinct phases: a bubble removal phase at first rotational speed and a drainage phase at second rotational speed. The controller divides the operation into these separate segments, each optimized for its specific function, allowing efficient drainage without continuous noise generation.
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 reduces the noise level generated by the drain pump during the drainage process by increasing drainage efficiency and reducing the required rotational speed of the pump.
Implementation Method 1
A clothing dryer according to an embodiment of the disclosure may comprise a first water container in which condensate generated as a drying cycle is performed is stored, a drain pump driven by a brushless direct current (BLDC) motor, and a controller configured to alternately drive the drain pump at a first rotational speed and stop the drain pump a predetermined number of times in response to a start of a bubble removal cycle to remove bubbles from the condensate stored in the first water container
Implementation Method 2
a drain pump driven by a brushless direct current (BLDC) motor, and a controller configured to alternately drive the drain pump at a first rotational speed and stop the drain pump
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure of a clothing dryer may comprise: a first water container in which condensate generated as a drying cycle is performed is stored, a drain pump driven by a brushless direct current motor, and a controller configured to: alternately drive the drain pump at a first rotational speed and stop the drain pump a predetermined number of times in response to a start of a bubble removal cycle to remove bubbles from the condensate stored in the first water container, and start a drainage cycle in which the drain pump is operated at a second rotational speed which is greater than the first rotational speed for a predetermined driving period in response to termination of the bubble removal cycle.