Electrodynamic position transducer device and a washing machine comprising such a device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrodynamic position transducers in washing machines with vertically axis drums struggle to detect the amplitude of vibrations or oscillations with sufficient resolution due to a limited range of variation in output signals, making it difficult to analyze during spinning phases.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a microprocessor-based processing device that adjusts the output voltage by amplifying it during spinning phases and maintaining normal levels during soaking, washing, or rinsing phases, allowing for a wider range of variation in signal detection, and using non-volatile memory for calibration and switching between different transduction characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If an electrodynamic position transducer is used in a washing machine with a vertical axis drum, then the washing bath level can be detected with high resolution, but the vibration amplitude signal range becomes very small and difficult to analyze
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the transducer's sensitivity adjustable based on operational phase. During washing phases, the transducer operates in a first sensitivity state optimized for level detection, while during spinning phases, it switches to a second sensitivity state optimized for vibration detection. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to optimize measurement capability for the current operational context.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the electrical parameter (sensitivity) of the electrodynamic position transducer based on the washing machine's operational phase. By adjusting the sensitivity parameter between a first value for washing phases and a second value for spinning phases, the system optimizes signal output range for each specific measurement task, resolving the contradiction between level detection resolution and vibration signal analysis capability.
2Measurement precision
If the transducer sensitivity is increased to detect small vibration amplitudes, then vibration detection resolution improves, but the washing bath level detection range becomes excessive and less precise
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the transducer sensitivity based on the detected operational phase. When washing phases are detected, the transducer uses a first sensitivity setting optimized for level detection. When spinning phases are detected, it switches to a second sensitivity setting optimized for vibration detection. This dynamic switching resolves the precision trade-off by using the appropriate sensitivity level for each operational context.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from the washing machine's control unit regarding the current operational phase to adjust the transducer sensitivity. The control unit provides information about whether the machine is in a washing or spinning phase, and this feedback is used to automatically adjust the transducer's electrical parameter to the appropriate sensitivity level, ensuring optimal measurement precision for each phase.
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
Enables the detection of vibration amplitude with improved resolution during spinning phases while maintaining adequate detection of washing bath levels during other phases, ensuring consistent and calibrated output across different washing machine operations.
Implementation Method 1
an electrodynamic position transducer connected to the washing chamber or tub and used in a synergistic way both to detect the washing bath level
Implementation Method 2
the processing means have an input for a control signal assuming two values or states, and are designed to generate and emit amplified corrected values of the parameter when the control signal assumes a predetermined value or state
Data Source
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AI summary
The device (1) comprises: a casing (2-4) in which there is clamped a diaphragm (5) which, together with a portion of the casing (2-4), defines at least one chamber (6, 7) having a variable volume; a winding (14); an interaction member (13), adapted to magnetically interact with the winding (14) as a consequence of a displacement of the diaphragm (5), in such a way that the inductance of the winding (14) varies as a function of the relative position of the interaction member (13) with respect to the winding (14), and a processing unit (17) coupled to the winding (14), in order to supply electric signals having a parameter which is variable as a function of the inductance of the winding (14) and thus as a function of the relative position of the interaction member (13). The processing unit (17) comprises memory means (22) adapted to store data representative of correction values which, when applied during operation to the instantaneous actual values of the parameter, allow corrected values of the parameter, corresponding to a predetermined transduction characteristic, to be obtained. The processing unit (17) is designed to correct the instantaneous actual values of the parameter in such a way that, at least when the actual values of the parameter are lower than a predetermined value, the processing unit (17) generates and emits corrected values of the parameter which are amplified by a predetermined factor.