Off-Center Rotary Wing Structure for Low-Power Washing Machines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional washing machines prioritize washing performance over power consumption reduction, leading to increased operational costs as user demands for lower power consumption grow, particularly with the need to convert high-cost inverter motors to general-purpose motors, resulting in increased power consumption and losses.
Innovation Solution
The washing machine features a disc-shaped rotary wing with stirring blades positioned off-center and a protrusion part, inclined at 6-20° relative to the vertical axis, which enhances water flow and washing efficiency while reducing power consumption, allowing for the use of general-purpose motors and potentially aluminum coils, thereby lowering costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a high-cost inverter motor is used to reduce power consumption, then power consumption is reduced, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the rotary wing, specifically positioning the center of stirring blades off-center relative to the rotary axis and adding a protrusion part, to optimize water flow patterns and reduce the power consumption of general-purpose motors, making it feasible to use lower-cost motors while maintaining energy efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables the use of general-purpose motors with aluminum coils instead of expensive inverter motors with copper coils, accepting slightly higher motor losses while compensating through the optimized rotary wing design that reduces overall system power consumption
2Device complexity
If the center of stirring blades is positioned at the rotary axis, then the structure is simple, but water flow generation efficiency is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by positioning the center of the stirring blades away from the rotary axis and adding a protrusion part, creating an unbalanced configuration that generates more effective water flow and washing action compared to a symmetric centered design
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a protrusion part that extends in the axial direction, introducing a new dimensional element to the rotary wing structure that enhances water flow generation and washing object engagement beyond the standard radial blade configuration
3Device complexity
If the central axis is vertical, then the structure is simple, but washing performance is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inclines the central axis of the washing tank relative to the vertical direction, creating an asymmetric orientation that improves washing performance by enhancing water flow patterns and washing object movement, while maintaining structural simplicity
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 design effectively reduces power consumption, improves cleaning ratio, and maintains or exceeds washing performance standards, enabling cost savings through reduced energy use and component cost optimization.
Implementation Method 1
the central axis is inclined relative to a vertical axis... an inclination angle in which the central axis is inclined relative to the vertical axis is set to be within a range of 6-20°
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of stirring blades radially extending towards an outer circumference are arranged on the surface of the rotary wing... to stir water and washing objects
Data Source
AI summary
A washing machine capable of reducing power consumption comprising: a substantially bottomed cylindrical washing tank; a rotary wing rotatably and freely arranged at a bottom of the washing tank; and a driving unit for rotatably driving the rotary wing by being powered by electricity. The rotary wing is formed in a disc shape and centered on a rotary axis (Ra), and a plurality of stirring blades radially extending towards an outer circumference are arranged on a surface of the rotary wing. A center (Cw) of these stirring blades is set at a position more misplaced towards an outer diameter direction than the rotary axis (Ra), and a protrusion part more protruded towards an axial direction of the rotary axis (Ra) than the stirring blades is arranged at the center (Cw) of the plurality of stirring blades.