Inductive Pressure Switch for Washer Load and Vibration Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing detection systems for household appliances with mobile components, such as washing machines or dryers, are large, costly, and difficult to assemble, and fail to accurately measure the static load (weight) of linen, relying on user input and not detecting vibrations effectively.
Innovation Solution
A compact, low-cost pressure switch system with a deformable membrane and ferromagnetic core, coupled with a variable inductance electrical inductor, integrated with a ferromagnetic bracket and electronic circuit, which measures hydraulic pressure, weight, and vibrations by detecting clearance variations between the pressure switch and the load-bearing frame, allowing for balanced load determination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a pressure switch with a mobile stop defined by a spring is used to detect hydraulic pressure and vibrations, then the system can detect basket vibrations, but the device becomes relatively large in size and presents assembly difficulties with high production cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical spring-based mobile stop system with an electronic detection system using a piezoelectric sensor and electronic circuitry. This substitution eliminates the need for complex mechanical components while maintaining vibration detection capability, thereby reducing device size and simplifying assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection parameter from mechanical displacement (spring-based mobile stop) to electrical signal (piezoelectric sensor output). This parameter change allows for a more compact design and easier integration with the control system, resolving the contradiction between detection reliability and device complexity.
2Ease of operation
If user manually sets the basket weight on the control panel, then the system can operate with weight information, but the measurement is imprecise and requires user approximation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service weight detection system using a piezoelectric sensor that automatically measures the basket weight without user intervention. The sensor detects the static load through electrical signals, eliminating the need for manual weight input and providing precise measurements automatically.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical weight input method with an electronic sensing system. The piezoelectric sensor converts mechanical weight into electrical signals that are processed by the control system, providing both ease of operation and high measurement precision simultaneously.
3Device complexity
If a compact, low-cost pressure switch system with variable inductance electrical inductor is used, then the device size and production cost are reduced, but the system must accurately detect both static load and dynamic vibrations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a multi-functional pressure switch system where a single device performs multiple detection tasks: static load measurement, vibration detection, and hydraulic pressure sensing. The piezoelectric sensor and associated electronic circuits handle all these functions simultaneously, maintaining high measurement precision while reducing overall device complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes different operational parameters of the piezoelectric sensor to detect different physical quantities. By changing the measurement parameter (static displacement for weight, dynamic vibration for vibrations, pressure for hydraulic pressure), the system achieves multiple detection functions with a single compact device, resolving the contradiction between device simplicity and measurement precision.
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
The system provides accurate and reliable detection of both static load and dynamic vibrations, ensuring balanced loads with minimal size and production costs, enhancing operational efficiency and user experience.
Implementation Method 1
a deformable membrane sensitive to hydraulic pressure
Implementation Method 2
a winding carried by the casing and operatively coupled to the core to form a variable inductance electrical inductor
Implementation Method 3
a ferromagnetic material core fastened to the membrane and a ferromagnetic material bracket
Data Source
AI summary
A system for detecting the operative parameters of a household appliance, such as a washing machine or dryer, provided with a relatively mobile component with respect to a load-bearing frame (tank or basket), including a pressure switch including in turn a rigid casing accommodating a deformable membrane sensitive to hydraulic pressure, a ferromagnetic material core engaged to the membrane and a winding fixed to the casing and operatively coupled with the core to form a variable inductance electrical inductor; in which the pressure switch is coupled to the relatively mobile member to follow its movements; and in which said variable inductance electrical inductor is operatively associated to a ferromagnetic material bracket integrally carried by the load-bearing body and arranged outside the pressure switch.