Laundry Drum Controller for Tunnel Detection and Complete Wetting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional laundry care devices often fail to ensure complete wetting of laundry, especially with large loads, as the washing liquid cannot penetrate into the inner areas of the laundry drum due to the laundry filling the drum's volume.
Innovation Solution
A laundry care device that detects the formation of a stable laundry tunnel within the rotating drum using power detection elements and controllers, allowing for efficient penetration of washing liquid through centrifugal forces, and maintains this tunnel by adjusting drum speeds to prevent detachment and optimize energy use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the drum is filled completely with laundry to increase processing capacity, then productivity is improved, but the washing liquid cannot penetrate the interior and complete wetting cannot be guaranteed
Solution Approach 1:
The laundry load is effectively segmented into an outer layer and an inner core by forming a tunnel structure. The tunnel creates a void space that allows washing liquid to reach the inner laundry, while the outer laundry layer remains in contact with the drum for mechanical action. This segmentation enables both high load capacity and complete wetting.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a radial dimension to liquid distribution by creating a tunnel structure. Instead of liquid only entering from the drum periphery, the tunnel provides a radial pathway for liquid to penetrate from the outer laundry layer to the inner core, enabling three-dimensional wetting distribution.
2Reliability
If the drum rotates at high speed to form a laundry tunnel, then washing liquid penetration is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit continuously monitors the electrical power consumption of the drum drive and compares it against reference values. When the measured power matches a reference value corresponding to tunnel formation, the system maintains that speed. This feedback mechanism enables precise control to maintain tunnel stability while minimizing energy consumption by avoiding unnecessary high-speed operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the drum rotation speed parameter based on detected tunnel formation conditions. By changing the rotational speed parameter to match the specific speed required for tunnel formation and maintenance, the system achieves reliable tunnel stability while optimizing energy consumption by not operating at unnecessarily high speeds.
3Shape
If the drum speed is increased above resonance speed to form tunnel, then tunnel formation is achieved, but vibrations and energy loss increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically controls the drum speed to operate above resonance speed only during the specific phase when tunnel formation is required. The control unit adjusts the rotational speed parameter in real-time, maintaining it above resonance during tunnel formation detection and then reducing it during subsequent washing phases. This dynamic speed adjustment achieves tunnel formation while minimizing energy loss by avoiding continuous high-speed operation.
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
Ensures complete wetting of laundry by forming and maintaining a stable laundry tunnel, even with large loads, while reducing energy consumption and preventing washing liquid expulsion.
Implementation Method 1
A laundry tunnel is formed within the rotating washing drum by centrifugal forces acting on the laundry. These forces press the laundry against the drum, creating the tunnel.
Implementation Method 2
a power sensing element for detecting an electrical power value of the drum drive... the power sensing element is configured to detect a first electrical power value of the drum drive during a first detection interval... detection of a second electrical power value of the drum drive during a second sensing interval
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method 200 for treating laundry 135 and to a laundry treatment appliance 100 which is designed to carry out the method, comprising an outer tub 105 for receiving washing fluid, a laundry drum 107 which is arranged in the outer tub 105, an oscillating system 109 for supporting the laundry drum 107 and the outer tub 105 in the laundry treatment appliance 100 in an oscillatable manner, a drum drive 123, a controller 119, and an output detection element 131 for detecting an electric output value 165 of the drum drive 123. The controller 119 is designed to activate the drum drive 123 during a detection time segment 163 of a washing time period 149 in order to rotate the laundry drum 107, wherein the output detection element 131 is designed to detect a first electric output value 165-1 of the drum drive 123 during a first detection interval 163-1 of the detection time segment 163 and to detect a second electric output value 165-2 of the drum drive 123 during a second detection interval 163-2 adjoining the first detection interval 163-1, and the controller 119 is designed to detect a non-changing laundry tunnel 137 within the laundry 135 received in the laundry drum 107 when the second electric output value 165-2 corresponds to the first electric output value 165-1.