Dual-Drum Washer Heating Control for Staggered High-Power Cycles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Double-drum washing machines face challenges in efficient power control and stability due to simultaneous high-power processes like heating, drying, and dewatering, leading to energy wastage and reduced service life.
Innovation Solution
A control method that judges the heating time required by each drum before initiating heating, prioritizing the second drum for high-power processes if the first drum's heating time is prolonged, and alternating or ordered heating based on specific conditions to avoid simultaneous high-power usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If heating, drying, and dewatering are performed simultaneously in both drums, then productivity is improved, but use of energy increases and reliability deteriorates due to overload
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by alternating heating operations between the first and second washing drums. When one drum completes its heating cycle, the other drum begins heating, creating a staggered periodic pattern that prevents simultaneous high-power consumption while maintaining continuous washing productivity across both drums
2Productivity
If heating, drying, and dewatering are performed simultaneously in both drums, then productivity is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to overload condition
Solution Approach 1:
The control method staggers the operation timing of the two drums through periodic action, ensuring that high-power processes like heating are not executed simultaneously. This reduces peak power demand and prevents overload conditions that would compromise the machine's reliability and service life
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by having one drum complete its heating cycle before the other drum begins heating. This sequential preparation and execution of heating tasks ensures that the power system is not overwhelmed, maintaining reliable operation while achieving continuous productivity
3Device complexity
If single ordered heating control method or single alternate control method is used, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamics by making the control method adaptable to different operational scenarios. The system dynamically selects between ordered heating and alternate heating modes based on real-time conditions such as remaining washing time and drum state, providing flexibility without requiring complex additional hardware
4Use of energy by moving object
If one drum waits for the other to complete heating, then use of energy is reduced, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction through periodic action where drums alternate heating cycles. While one drum heats, the other performs lower-power operations, then they switch roles. This eliminates idle waiting time for both drums while maintaining staggered power consumption that reduces overall energy usage compared to simultaneous heating
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 energy wastage, enhances heating efficiency, and improves the stability and service life of the washing machine by ensuring that high-power processes are not performed simultaneously, thus optimizing power control and user experience.
Implementation Method 1
a heating element arranged in the washing drum and adapted to heat the washing liquid in the washing drum
Data Source
AI summary
A control method of a double-drum washing machine, having a first washing drum and a second washing drum. Whether the heating time required by the first drum is overlong is judged before the first drum performs heating. If yes, the second drum executes the heating, or dewatering, or drying processes. If not, the following steps are performed:judging whether the second drum performs heating;if yes, judging whether the remaining heating time of the second washing drum is greater than T0;if the judgment result is yes, executing the alternate heating program that the first drum and the second washing drum perform heating alternately, and if the judgment result is no, executing the ordered heating program that the second drum performs heating firstly, and then the first drum performs heating,wherein T0 is a time value for judging whether the heating of the second drum is about to finish or not.