Multi-Drum Washer Heating Sequencing for Power Overload Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Multi-drum washing machines face stability and energy efficiency issues due to simultaneous high-power operations during heating, drying, and dehydration processes, leading to potential overload and increased energy consumption.
Innovation Solution
A heating control method that prioritizes the washing drum with the shorter remaining heating time, pauses heating processes when the other drum is in dehydration or drying, and alternates or sequences heating based on remaining time thresholds to avoid simultaneous high-power operations and reduce energy usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If heating, drying, and high-speed dehydration operate simultaneously in multi-drum washing machine, then productivity is improved, but power overload occurs affecting stability and lifespan
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit implements periodic action by alternately controlling the heating operations of first and second heaters. When one heater is operating, the other is prohibited from heating, creating a periodic heating pattern that prevents simultaneous high-power operations while maintaining washing productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit applies preliminary action by checking the operational state of one heater before allowing the other to heat. The system determines whether the first washing drum is heating before controlling the second heater, and vice versa, preventing power overload before it occurs
2Manufacturing precision
If heating time of one washing drum is extended, then manufacturing precision of washing quality is improved, but simultaneous high-power operations with other drums cause power overload
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit implements periodic action by alternately controlling the heating operations of first and second heaters. When one heater is operating, the other is prohibited from heating, creating a periodic heating pattern that prevents simultaneous high-power operations while maintaining washing productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the heating parameter timing by implementing alternating heating schedules. Instead of allowing both drums to heat simultaneously for extended periods, the control unit adjusts the heating parameters to alternate between drums, reducing peak power consumption while maintaining overall washing quality
3Productivity
If buy two or more washing machines to wash separately at the same time, then productivity is improved, but energy and water resources are wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functionality of multiple washing machines into a single multi-drum washing machine. The control unit coordinates heating operations across multiple drums within one machine, achieving the washing capacity of multiple machines while sharing common resources like power supply and control systems, thereby reducing overall energy and water consumption
4Productivity
If buy two or more washing machines to wash separately at the same time, then productivity is improved, but device complexity and space occupation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functionality of multiple washing machines into a single multi-drum washing machine. The control unit coordinates heating operations across multiple drums within one machine, achieving the washing capacity of multiple machines while sharing common resources like power supply and control systems, thereby reducing overall energy and water consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-drum washing machine implements universality by enabling each drum to perform complete washing cycles independently while sharing common resources. The control unit manages multiple drums with a single control system, allowing the machine to function as multiple independent washing machines while reducing device complexity and space requirements
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 method stabilizes the operation of multi-drum washing machines, reduces energy consumption, and extends the lifespan by preventing overload conditions and ensuring efficient power management.
Implementation Method 1
a first washing drum and a second washing drum which can independently perform washing process... a first heater and a second heater... determining a remaining heating time of the first washing drum and a remaining heating time of the second washing drum
Data Source
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AI summary
A heating control method for a multi-drum washing machine is provided. The washing machine comprises at least a first washing drum (1) provided with a first heater and a second washing drum (2) provided with a second heater. Before the first washing drum (1) performs a heating procedure, it is necessary to determine whether or not the second washing drum (2) is performing the heating procedure; if not, the first washing drum (1) performs the heating procedure; if yes, it is necessary to determine whether or the remaining heating time of the second washing drum (2) is less than a set value, T min; if yes, the first washing drum (1) pauses performing the heating procedure; when the second washing drum (2) finishes performing the heating procedure, the first washing drum (1) then performs the heating procedure; if not, remaining heating time of the first washing drum (1) and that of the second washing drum (2) are determined, whichever washing having the shorter remaining heating time performs the heating procedure first, while the other washing drum performs the heating procedure second. By determining whether or not the washing drum being heated is about to finish the corresponding heating procedure, the washing machine is allowed to select the appropriate heating procedure on the basis of the actual state of heating.