Measuring device for determining the loading and the vibrations of a washer drum of a washing machine
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for determining the loading and vibrations of a washer drum in washing machines require costly dual sensors and software for one-dimensional displacement measurements, failing to detect two or three-dimensional displacements efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A measuring device using a reflector with different reflection zones illuminated by light emitters of distinct wavelengths, allowing for simultaneous measurement of loading and vibrations through relative displacement detection, enabling two or three-dimensional displacement measurement with a single light receiver.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If two different sensors (displacement sensor and accelerometer) are used to measure loading and vibrations, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the functions of displacement sensing and acceleration sensing into a single optical sensor system. By using a reflector with different reflection zones and light emitters with distinct wavelengths, the system simultaneously measures both loading (displacement) and vibrations (acceleration) with one sensor, eliminating the need for separate sensors and reducing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The optical sensor system is designed to perform multiple measurement functions simultaneously. The single sensor can detect both the position of the washer drum (for loading determination) and its vibrations (for vibration determination) by analyzing reflected light from different zones of the reflector, making it a universal measurement device that replaces multiple specialized sensors
2Measurement precision
If two different sensors are used for loading and vibration measurement, then measurement precision is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functionality of two separate sensors into one optical sensor system. By using a single sensor with a reflector that has different reflection zones, the system achieves both loading and vibration measurements simultaneously, reducing component count and manufacturing cost while maintaining measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses optical reflection principles to create virtual copies of measurement capabilities. The reflector with different reflection zones acts as an optical element that directs light to provide multiple measurement signals to a single sensor, effectively copying the functionality of multiple sensors into one physical device
3Device complexity
If only one-dimensional displacement measurement is performed, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision is insufficient for detecting vibrations in multiple directions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from one-dimensional displacement measurement to multi-dimensional measurement by introducing a reflector with different reflection zones. The optical sensor system can detect displacements and vibrations in multiple directions by analyzing the reflected light patterns from different zones, effectively adding spatial dimensions to the measurement capability without proportionally increasing device complexity
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 solution provides a cost-effective and precise method for determining washer drum loading and vibrations, enabling two or three-dimensional displacement measurement and reducing wear and damage by triggering counteractions when thresholds are exceeded.
Implementation Method 1
a light emitter which is able to emit light of a wavelength λ
Implementation Method 2
A reflector is illuminated by the light emitter in order to at least partially reflect the received light
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~2D
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
This disclosure measuring device for determining the loading and the vibrations of a washer drum (105) of a washing machine. The measuring device (100) comprises two light emitters (102,103) that have different wavelengths and emit light to a reflector (101) having different reflection zones. The reflected light intensity is measured by a light sensor (104), and a displacement of the washer drum (105) is determined based on the measured light intensities for the different wavelengths.