Laundry machine
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laundry machines face challenges with vibration and noise due to drum rotation, as traditional balancing units take a long time to establish balance and may not accurately position themselves, especially during changes in rotation speed and laundry distribution.
Innovation Solution
A laundry machine with an actively controlled balancing unit, featuring a body with mass bodies and wheels, elastic members, and a driving motor, which uses a controller and coils to detect position and adjust movement within the balancer housing to minimize interference and optimize balancing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If traditional passive balancing units are used, then the structure is simple, but the balancing time is long and positioning accuracy is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional passive mechanical balancing system with an active control system that uses electromagnetic actuators (coils) to control the position of mass bodies. The controller receives signals from sensors and actively adjusts the balancing unit's position, substituting passive mechanical movement with active electromagnetic control, thereby reducing balancing time while maintaining structural feasibility
Solution Approach 2:
The balancing unit incorporates sensors that automatically detect the drum's rotation state and laundry distribution, and the controller automatically processes this information to adjust the balancing unit's position without manual intervention. This self-service mechanism enables rapid automatic balancing, reducing the time loss while the modular structure keeps complexity manageable
2Measurement precision
If the balancing unit is actively controlled with motors and sensors, then positioning accuracy improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs electromagnetic actuators (coils) instead of traditional mechanical positioning mechanisms. The electromagnetic system provides precise control over the mass bodies' positions by adjusting electromagnetic field strength, achieving high positioning accuracy. The controller processes sensor data and sends precise control signals, replacing imprecise mechanical adjustments with accurate electromagnetic actuation
Solution Approach 2:
The balancing unit incorporates sensors that continuously monitor the drum's rotation state, vibration levels, and laundry distribution. This feedback is sent to the controller, which adjusts the electromagnetic actuators in real-time to maintain optimal balancing. The closed-loop feedback system ensures high positioning accuracy by constantly correcting deviations, while the intelligent control algorithm manages the complexity of coordinating multiple sensors and actuators
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple components are added to the balancing unit, then functionality improves, but interference between components occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a controller as an intermediary that coordinates between sensors, electromagnetic actuators, and the balancing unit. The controller processes sensor data and sends controlled signals to the actuators, preventing direct interference between components. The electromagnetic actuators themselves serve as intermediaries between the control system and the mass bodies, enabling precise positioning without mechanical contact or interference with other components
Solution Approach 2:
The balancing unit is divided into functionally independent modules: sensors for detection, electromagnetic actuators for actuation, mass bodies for balancing, and a controller for coordination. Each module performs its specific function without interfering with others. The electromagnetic actuators are positioned and oriented to avoid interference with gear teeth and other components, with each component having a dedicated functional zone within the balancing unit
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 actively controlled balancing unit reduces vibration and noise by quickly and accurately positioning itself to counteract eccentric rotations, enhancing the machine's operational efficiency and user experience.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic member may be provided between the first mass body and the first wheel, so as to push the first mass body and the first wheel to both lateral sides of the body
Implementation Method 2
a first wheel on another lateral side of the body and configured to roll within the balancer housing
Implementation Method 3
a driving motor, and a driving gear receiving a driving force from the driving motor
Data Source
AI summary
A laundry machine including a cabinet forming an exterior appearance of the laundry machine, a tub provided inside the cabinet, a drum rotatably provided inside the tub, a balancer housing coupled to a front portion or a back portion of the drum, and a balancing unit movably formed inside the balancer housing in order to reduce an eccentric rotation of the drum. The balancing unit further including a body forming an exterior of the balancing unit, and the body including a first mass body on one lateral side of the body, and a first wheel on another lateral side of the body and configured to roll within the balancer housing, and an elastic member provided between the first mass body and the first wheel, so as to push the first mass body and the first wheel to both lateral sides of the body.