Laundry Drum Tumble Pattern Control Using Packing Density Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Contemporary laundry treating appliances do not account for the distribution of laundry load within the rotating drum, which can change during a cycle, affecting the effectiveness and overall performance of the appliance.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method that determine a parameter indicative of the change in packing density of the laundry load and take operating actions based on this parameter, using the motor torque data in both time and frequency domains to estimate and adjust the drum rotation speed and pattern.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the drum rotates at predetermined set speeds according to pre-programmed cycles, then the operation is simple and reliable, but the effectiveness of the cycle phases is reduced when laundry load distribution changes
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses motor torque data as feedback to monitor laundry load distribution changes during the cycle. The controller continuously analyzes torque variations and adjusts drum rotation speed accordingly, transforming a static pre-programmed system into a dynamic adaptive system that maintains cycle effectiveness despite load distribution changes
Solution Approach 2:
The drum rotation speed is transformed from fixed predetermined values to dynamically adjustable parameters. The controller modifies rotation speed in real-time based on detected load distribution changes, enabling the system to adapt to varying laundry conditions while maintaining effective tumble patterns throughout the cycle
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the drum rotation speed is adjusted to optimize mechanical action, then fabric damage is reduced, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system optimizes the relationship between drum rotation speed and mechanical action by analyzing motor torque characteristics. Rather than simply increasing speed, the controller adjusts speed parameters based on torque data to achieve effective tumbling patterns that reduce fabric damage while minimizing energy consumption through precise speed control
3Measurement precision
If motor torque data is analyzed in both time and frequency domains to determine load distribution, then packing density estimation accuracy is improved, but computational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces direct mechanical or physical measurement of load distribution with an electrical measurement approach. By analyzing motor torque data through signal processing in time and frequency domains, the system indirectly determines packing density and load distribution, achieving high measurement precision without complex mechanical sensors or direct measurement mechanisms
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
This approach enhances the performance of laundry treating appliances by optimizing mechanical action, reducing fabric damage, and improving drying efficiency by adapting to changes in load distribution and state, such as cloth fluffing, leading to better user satisfaction and energy savings.
Implementation Method 1
using the motor torque data in both time and frequency domains to estimate and adjust the drum rotation speed and pattern
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and a method of operating a laundry treating appliance treating laundry according to a cycle of operation having by determining a parameter indicative of a change in packing density of the laundry in a treating chamber and taking an operating action based on the determined parameter.