Washing machine and method for compensating for unbalance caused by washing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing washing machines face challenges in quickly and effectively compensating for imbalances caused by laundry during operation, as the division of expansion tanks into front and rear chambers limits the compensation of imbalances.
Innovation Solution
The washing machine incorporates at least three equalizing tanks, each subdivided into chambers connected by overflow channels, allowing for successive filling in multiple directions, enabling efficient compensation of imbalances through water distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If expansion tanks are divided into front and rear chambers with individual supply channels, then the compensation of imbalance is limited, but the structure provides targeted water supply capability
Solution Approach 1:
The expansion tank is divided into multiple equalizing chambers (first, second, and third chambers) separated by dividing walls. Each chamber can be independently filled with water through overflow channels, allowing selective compensation for imbalances in different regions of the drum. This segmentation enables the system to handle various imbalance scenarios more effectively while maintaining a manageable structural complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new dimension to water supply by implementing overflow channels that connect chambers in sequence, enabling water to flow from one chamber to another. This creates a multi-directional filling capability where water can be supplied to different chambers based on the detected imbalance, transforming the traditional single-direction supply system into a multi-dimensional compensation mechanism.
2Productivity
If multiple equalizing chambers are connected by overflow channels allowing successive filling in multiple directions, then imbalance compensation becomes quick and effective, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The equalizing chambers are pre-configured with overflow channels during manufacturing, establishing the water flow paths in advance. When an imbalance is detected, the system can immediately begin filling the appropriate chambers without requiring complex real-time routing decisions. This preliminary structuring of water distribution pathways enables rapid response to imbalance conditions while keeping the control system relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The overflow channels are designed to automatically regulate water flow between chambers based on water level differences. Once water is supplied to the system, the overflow channels self-regulate the distribution of water to different equalizing chambers without requiring active control, enabling quick and effective imbalance compensation while minimizing the complexity of the water distribution control system.
3Ease of operation
If equalizing chambers are filled successively in first filling direction from rear to front parallel to axis of rotation, then water distribution is optimized, but the filling process takes time
Solution Approach 1:
The overflow channels are designed to enable continuous water flow through the equalizing chambers in sequence. As water is supplied to the first chamber, it automatically overflows to the second chamber, which then overflows to the third chamber, creating a continuous filling action. This continuous flow mechanism optimizes water supply efficiency by eliminating interruptions in the filling process while managing the time required through efficient sequential filling.
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 configuration allows for simple, quick, and effective imbalance compensation, ensuring that imbalances are addressed easily and precisely, even during rapid drum rotation.
Implementation Method 1
The overflow channels are preferably formed on a side facing the axis of rotation of the drum in the respective equalizing tank and/or centrally in a circumferential direction in the respective equalizing tank
Implementation Method 2
The first filling direction preferably runs from a rear side of the drum to a front side of the drum and in particular essentially parallel to the axis of rotation
Data Source
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AI summary
A washing machine (1) has a drum (6) that rotates about a pivot axis (8) for holding laundry. To compensate for an imbalance of the drum (6) caused by the laundry, the washing machine (1) further comprises at least three compensating tanks (A1) and at least three associated feed units (Z1). The compensating tanks (A1) are each divided into several compensating chambers (a11 to a16) by partition walls. The compensating chambers (a11 to a16) are connected to each other by overflow channels, so that the compensating chambers (a11 to a16) can be filled by means of at least two feed channels either in a first filling direction (39) or in a second filling direction (40) or simultaneously in the first and second filling directions (39, 40).