Magnetic Drum Drive for Quiet High-Torque Laundry Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional laundry treatment apparatuses face issues with noise generation, belt breakage, assembly complexity, motor efficiency deterioration, and potential motor burning due to friction and excessive load, primarily attributed to belt-driven and gear-based power transmission mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A magnetic gear apparatus is introduced, featuring a rotating magnetic field generator, input and output magnetic gears with permanent magnets, and a magnetic gap made of highly permeable material, allowing for efficient magnetic force transfer without physical contact, thus eliminating noise and belt-related issues and simplifying assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a belt-driven reduction mechanism is used to transfer rotational force from the motor to the drum, then the motor can generate high torque, but noise is generated due to belt rotation and friction between the belt and pulleys deteriorates motor efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the belt-driven mechanical reduction mechanism with a magnetic gear mechanism. The magnetic gear uses magnetic fields to transfer rotational force without physical contact between moving parts, eliminating belt friction and rotation noise while maintaining high torque transmission capability from the motor to the drum
2Power
If a belt-driven reduction mechanism is used, then torque can be amplified, but the belt may breakage and excessive load may cause motor burning
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic gear mechanism replaces the belt-driven system, eliminating the belt component entirely. The magnetic coupling between the magnetic gear and the drum allows for torque amplification through magnetic field interaction without the mechanical limitations of belt strength, preventing both belt breakage and motor burning from excessive load
3Power
If a belt-driven reduction mechanism is used, then torque can be transferred to the drum, but space required for belt rotation makes assembly difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic gear mechanism eliminates the need for belts and pulleys, requiring no additional rotation space. The direct magnetic coupling between the magnetic gear and drum simplifies the power transmission path, making assembly straightforward without the spatial constraints imposed by belt-driven mechanisms
4Power
If a gear-based reduction mechanism is used to transfer high torque, then the drum can be rotated with high torque, but noise is generated due to gear vibrations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the gear-based mechanical reduction mechanism with a magnetic gear system that uses magnetic fields for torque transmission. This eliminates the mechanical meshing and vibrations of traditional gears, thereby preventing noise generation while maintaining high torque transmission to the drum
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
The magnetic gear apparatus reduces noise, prevents belt breakage, simplifies assembly, and enhances motor efficiency by amplifying magnetic force transfer, preventing operational malfunctions and energy loss.
Implementation Method 1
a rotating magnetic field generator (680) provided in the cabinet (100) to generate rotating magnetic fields
Implementation Method 2
an input magnetic gear part (670) rotatably disposed radially outside the rotating magnetic field generator (680) and including at least one permanent magnet (673) to transfer rotating magnetic fields... an output magnetic gear part (620) disposed radially outside the magnetic path formation part (640) and including at least one permanent magnet (630)
Implementation Method 3
a magnetic gap (660) made of highly permeable material
Data Source
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AI summary
A laundry treatment apparatus and a magnetic gear apparatus are disclosed. The laundry treatment apparatus includes a cabinet (100) defining the appearance of the laundry treatment apparatus, a drum (300) rotatably disposed in the cabinet (100) to contain laundry, and a power unit (600) for rotating the drum (300), wherein the power unit (600) includes a rotating magnetic field generator (680) securely provided in the cabinet (100) to generate rotating magnetic fields, an input magnetic gear part (670) rotatably disposed radially outside the rotating magnetic field generator (680) and including at least one permanent magnet to transfer rotating magnetic fields, a magnetic path formation part (640) disposed radially outside the input magnetic gear, and an output magnetic gear part (620) disposed radially outside the magnetic path formation part (640) and including at least one permanent magnet therein.