Laundry treatment machine
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laundry treatment machines face inefficiencies in drainage due to unsynchronized operation between washing tub motors and circulation pump motors, leading to extended drainage times and unnecessary power consumption.
Innovation Solution
A laundry treatment machine that synchronizes the operation of washing tub and circulation pump motors using an inverter to convert DC voltage to AC voltage and a controller to manage speed, ensuring the circulation pump motor operates in synchronization with the washing tub motor, thereby improving washing power and reducing power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the circulation pump motor is driven by constant speed operation with input AC voltage, then the motor structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the drainage time is extended because the motor speed cannot be controlled
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical constant-speed AC motor system with an electronic control system using a DC brushless motor and inverter. This substitution allows precise speed control through electronic regulation of the inverter's switching frequency, enabling the circulation pump to operate at optimized speeds for different drainage conditions, thereby reducing drainage time while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through standardized electronic components
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic speed control of the circulation pump motor by varying the switching frequency of the inverter. The control unit adjusts the motor speed in real-time based on drainage requirements, transitioning from static constant-speed operation to dynamic variable-speed operation. This enables the system to adapt motor speed to changing conditions, optimizing drainage efficiency without compromising manufacturing simplicity
2Loss of time
If the circulation pump motor speed is controlled during drainage, then the drainage time is reduced, but the device complexity increases due to additional control systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the circulation pump motor control function into the existing washing machine's control unit and inverter system. The same control unit that manages the washing tub motor also controls the circulation pump motor speed, and the inverter serves dual purposes for both motors. This multi-functionality approach enables speed control to reduce drainage time while avoiding additional dedicated control hardware, thus managing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the control systems by having the single control unit manage both the washing tub motor and circulation pump motor. The inverter is configured to drive both motors, combining what could be separate control systems into one integrated unit. This consolidation reduces overall system complexity while maintaining the capability for speed control during drainage operations
3Device complexity
If the circulation pump motor operates independently without synchronization, then the control is simple, but unnecessary power consumption occurs and washing power is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control mechanism where the control unit receives operational status information from the washing tub motor and uses this feedback to synchronize the circulation pump motor's operation. The control unit monitors the washing phase and automatically adjusts the circulation pump motor speed and operation timing to match the washing tub motor's cycle, ensuring the circulation pump operates only when needed and at appropriate speeds, thereby reducing unnecessary power consumption while maintaining control simplicity through automated synchronization
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the circulation pump motor start operating before the washing tub motor reaches full speed or begins the washing cycle. The control unit pre-activates the circulation pump to prepare the water flow, ensuring optimal washing power from the start of the cycle. This coordinated preliminary operation improves washing effectiveness while avoiding energy waste by precisely timing the circulation pump's operation to match the washing schedule
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 synchronization of motors enhances washing power during the washing process, reduces drainage time, and stabilizes the converter by maintaining constant power supply, leading to improved operational efficiency and reduced energy usage.
Implementation Method 1
an inverter converting a direct current (DC) voltage from a converter into an alternating current (AC) voltage based on a switching operation
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a laundry treatment machine. A laundry treatment machine according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes: an inverter converting a direct current (DC) voltage from a converter into an alternating current (AC) voltage based on a switching operation and outputting the converted AC voltage to a circulation pump motor; and a controller to control a speed of the circulation pump motor to be increased before a time point at which a speed of a washing tub motor increases. Accordingly, the washing tub motor and the circulation pump motor can be operated in synchronization with each other. As a result, it is possible to improve washing power based on circulation pumping during washing.