Laundry Machine Dewatering Entry Period Control Based on Lift Level
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Solution Overview
Problem
Laundry treatment machines face limitations in shortening dewatering entry periods and maintaining drainage performance due to constant speed operation of drain pumps, which leads to prolonged operation times and instability in converters when lift levels change during drainage.
Innovation Solution
A controller is implemented to manage dewatering based on varying lift levels by adjusting the dewatering entry period and power supply to the motor, allowing for constant power operation without decreasing over time, thereby stabilizing the converter and minimizing performance decreases.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the motor operates at constant speed using input AC power, then the drainage function is achieved, but the motor is severely heated during dewatering and the operation period is prolonged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from constant speed operation to variable speed operation. The inverter controls the motor speed dynamically based on the lift level: operating at high speed when lift is low and at low speed when lift is high, thereby reducing heat generation and shortening the operation period while maintaining drainage functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating parameters of the motor from fixed constant speed to variable speed controlled by the inverter. By adjusting the frequency and voltage supplied to the motor based on lift conditions, the system optimizes performance to reduce heating and operation time during dewatering.
2Productivity
If speed control is performed by operating the pump in constant-speed mode or inverter mode, then dewatering efficiency is improved, but the converter stability is reduced when lift changes during drainage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback control where the controller continuously monitors the lift level during drainage and adjusts the inverter's power output accordingly. This feedback mechanism maintains converter stability by adapting to changing lift conditions while preserving dewatering efficiency through appropriate speed control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the converter's power output based on real-time lift conditions. By making the power output variable rather than fixed, the converter maintains stability across different operating conditions while still enabling efficient dewatering when needed.
3Temperature
If the motor is stopped for a considerable period before dewatering, then heat generation is reduced, but the entire operation period is prolonged
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of stopping the motor to reduce heat, the patent uses dynamic speed control to operate the motor at lower speeds during high lift conditions. This continuous operation at optimized speeds reduces heat generation without requiring shutdown periods, thereby shortening the overall operation time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent maintains continuous motor operation throughout the drainage and dewatering processes by adjusting speed rather than stopping. This continuous operation with variable speed control eliminates idle time between drainage and dewatering while managing thermal load through speed adjustment.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a wide range of power levels is output by the converter for speed control, then adaptability to different lift levels is improved, but the stability of the converter is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The controller uses feedback from lift level sensors to dynamically adjust the converter's power output to the appropriate level. This feedback-controlled approach provides adaptability to different lift conditions while maintaining converter stability by avoiding uncontrolled wide-range power variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The converter operates dynamically with power output that adapts to lift conditions through controller management. Rather than allowing uncontrolled wide-range power output, the dynamic control system adjusts power levels systematically based on actual operational needs, maintaining stability while providing adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a laundry treatment machine. The laundry treatment machine according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a controller configured to start dewatering after a first period from completion of drainage when a lift is at a first level, and to start the dewatering after a second period from the completion of the drainage when the lift is at a second level greater than the first level, wherein the second period is longer than the first period. Accordingly, based on the lift, it is possible to change the dewatering entry period after drainage is completed.