Laundry treating appliance and method of operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Laundry treating appliances face issues with undesirable vibrations and prolonged spin phases due to load imbalances during high-speed drum rotation, which can result in inadequate liquid extraction.
Innovation Solution
A laundry treating appliance with a controller that determines the remaining moisture content and adjusts the drum rotation speed based on the selected final moisture content and time remaining in the cycle, using a balance ring to counterbalance imbalances and optimize extraction speed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the drum is rotated at high speeds during the spin phase, then liquid extraction from laundry items is improved, but undesirable vibrations and movements occur due to load imbalance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a balance ring assembly with movable weights that automatically shift to counterbalance load imbalances during high-speed rotation. The balance ring is positioned to rotate with the drum and contains weights that can move radially to offset centrifugal forces caused by uneven laundry distribution, thereby reducing vibrations while maintaining high extraction speeds
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the drum rotation speed during the spin phase is reduced to avoid vibrations, then load imbalance issues are mitigated, but the spin phase takes too long to complete and desired liquid extraction is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic speed control system that adjusts drum rotation speed based on real-time balance ring position feedback. The controller monitors the balance ring assembly's movement and modulates motor speed accordingly, allowing the system to operate at high speeds when balanced and reduce speed only when necessary to correct imbalances, optimizing both time efficiency and vibration control
3Productivity
If the drum rotation speed is increased to achieve desired liquid extraction, then extraction efficiency is improved, but the appliance experiences excessive vibrations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes a feedback mechanism where the controller continuously monitors the position and movement of the balance ring assembly during spin operation. Based on this feedback, the controller adjusts motor speed in real-time to maintain optimal extraction performance while preventing excessive vibrations, creating a closed-loop control system that balances productivity and stability
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 reduces vibrations, ensures efficient liquid extraction, and optimizes the spin phase duration, improving the overall performance and energy efficiency of the appliance.
Implementation Method 1
using a balance ring to counterbalance imbalances
Implementation Method 2
the drum may be rotated at an extraction speed to extract at least a portion of the liquid wetting the laundry load
Data Source
AI summary
A laundry treating appliance and method of operating a laundry treating appliance that includes wetting the laundry load in a drum according to a selected cycle of operation. A controller associated with the laundry treating appliance may be configured to determine a remaining moisture content of the laundry and a time remaining in the selected cycle of operation based on the remaining moisture content.