Laundry machine having a drive unit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional twin laundry machines face issues with vibration and increased power consumption when both washing units operate simultaneously, and the small-sized second washing unit's drive unit struggles with effective heat radiation, leading to motor damage and reduced efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The twin laundry machine design incorporates a new rotor structure with an external air supply channel and air inlet parts arranged to efficiently draw in external air, enhancing cooling efficiency and preventing motor overheating without additional auxiliary components, while controlling motor operations to avoid overlapping and reduce vibration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the second washing unit is made small in size to save space, then space utilization is improved, but heat radiation from the drive unit becomes ineffective causing motor overheating
Solution Approach 1:
The air inlet part is positioned at the bottom wall of the rotor frame, utilizing the vertical dimension to draw cool air from below. This dimensional approach allows effective cooling air intake despite the compact horizontal space constraints of the small washing unit.
Solution Approach 2:
External air acts as an intermediary cooling medium, introduced through the air inlet channel and air inlet part to transfer heat away from the stator and rotor. This mediator enables heat dissipation without requiring additional active cooling components.
2Productivity
If both washing units operate simultaneously to increase productivity, then washing capacity is improved, but vibration increases causing errors and power consumption rises
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit implements periodic operation patterns where washing cycles of the first and second washing units are alternated or scheduled to avoid simultaneous operation. This periodic scheduling reduces vibration-related energy losses while maintaining overall productivity through efficient time utilization.
3Temperature
If the air inlet channel is extended to improve cooling, then cooling efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The air inlet channel is integrated directly into the rotor frame structure, merging the cooling function with the existing structural component. This combination achieves effective cooling air delivery without adding separate auxiliary cooling components, thus avoiding increased device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotor frame serves multiple functions: it provides structural support for the rotor assembly and simultaneously acts as a conduit for cooling air through the integrated air inlet channel. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated cooling ducts or channels.
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 solution effectively cools the drive unit, particularly the stator, in the second washing unit, reducing the risk of motor failure and enhancing overall machine reliability and energy efficiency by minimizing heat-related issues and vibration.
Implementation Method 1
an air inlet part formed in the bottom wall, and comprising an external air inlet channel projected from the bottom wall toward the stator
Data Source
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AI summary
A drive unit of a laundry machine with an improved heat radiation function comprising air inlets (341).