Washing machine and control method therefor
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional front-loading washing machines face challenges in achieving a balance between effective washing power and minimizing damage to laundry, as motions with enhanced washing power can cause damage, while motions that reduce damage provide insufficient cleaning.
Innovation Solution
A control method for a washing machine that alternately rotates the drum in both directions, with specific acceleration and rotational speed profiles, and includes a lower lifter height to implement a new motion that enhances washing power while reducing laundry damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the drum is rotated at high speed to enhance washing power, then washing effectiveness is improved, but damage to laundry increases
Solution Approach 1:
The drum rotation is divided into periodic phases: acceleration phase, constant high-speed rotation phase, and deceleration phase. This periodic action allows the drum to achieve high washing power during the constant-speed phase while limiting damage during acceleration and deceleration phases, resolving the contradiction between washing effectiveness and laundry protection
Solution Approach 2:
The washing machine dynamically adjusts rotational speed based on the washing cycle stage. The control unit varies the rotational speed profile (acceleration, constant speed, deceleration) to optimize washing power while minimizing laundry damage, transforming a static high-speed operation into a dynamic controlled process
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the drum is rotated in one direction only, then washing power is reduced (less damage), but washing effectiveness becomes insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The drum alternates rotation direction periodically during the washing cycle. By switching between first direction and second direction rotations, the system achieves comprehensive washing coverage and enhanced washing power while distributing mechanical stress, thereby reducing overall laundry damage compared to continuous unidirectional rotation
3Device complexity
If conventional motions are used, then device simplicity is maintained, but washing power is insufficient or causes excessive damage
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit implements dynamic motion control by varying rotational speed and direction based on predefined washing patterns. This dynamic approach achieves enhanced washing power through controlled acceleration, deceleration, and bidirectional rotation without adding mechanical complexity to the drum structure itself
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters (rotational speed, rotation direction, acceleration rate) to achieve different washing effects. By modulating these parameters, the washing machine delivers enhanced washing power while controlling laundry damage, all through software control rather than mechanical modification
Data Source
AI summary
A front-loading washing machine and a control method therefor are disclosed. The control method includes: when a sensed amount of laundry in a drum is equal to or less than a preset amount, rubbing step at which the drum is rotated in both directions, wherein the rubbing step comprises: a first rotation step at which the drum is rotated in a first direction by a preset one-direction rotational angle; and a second rotation step at which the drum is rotated by the one-direction rotational angle in a second direction opposite to the first direction, and wherein the first rotation step and the second rotation step are performed alternately and repeatedly. Accordingly, it is possible to perform a washing motion which improves washing performance and reduces wear and tear of the laundry.