Powered Drum Balancer Housing for Washer Vibration Diagnosis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Washing machines face instability and noise due to unbalanced loads in the rotary drum, leading to potential damage, and existing balancers lack effective power transmission and malfunction diagnosis methods.
Innovation Solution
A balancer housing with electrodes for electric power transmission to a movable balancing module, and a control method to diagnose malfunctions by detecting electric signals, ensuring proper contact and operation of the balancer components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If electric power is transmitted to a movable balancer, then the balancer can actively move to counterbalance unbalanced loads, but power transmission reliability deteriorates due to contact instability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a conductive ring as an intermediary component between the power source and the movable balancer. The conductive ring rotates with the drum and maintains continuous sliding contact with a stationary brush, serving as a mediator that transfers power reliably to the moving balancer without requiring direct mechanical connection to the rotating components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical power transmission mechanisms (such as gears, belts, or direct shaft connections) with an electrical field-based power transmission system. Power is transmitted through electrical contact between the brush and conductive ring, eliminating complex mechanical coupling and reducing wear while enabling smooth movement of the balancer.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a balancer structure is added to counterbalance unbalanced loads, then vibration and noise are reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The balancer is segmented into independent functional components: a housing that mounts to the drum, a movable counterweight module inside the housing, and a power reception interface. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, simplifying the overall structure while maintaining effectiveness in reducing vibration and noise.
Solution Approach 2:
The balancer employs a dynamic counterweight that can move freely within the housing along a guided path. As the drum rotates and unbalanced loads shift, the counterweight automatically adjusts its position to maintain balance, eliminating the need for complex control mechanisms or multiple fixed-weight components.
3Productivity
If malfunctions are not diagnosed, then the washing machine continues operating, but component damage occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a feedback mechanism where the control unit continuously monitors the operational status of the balancer by detecting electrical signals from the power transmission path. When abnormal conditions are detected (such as open circuit, short circuit, or excessive current), the control unit receives feedback and can stop the drum rotation to prevent further damage, thus protecting components while allowing continuous operation under normal conditions.
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 stabilizes the rotary drum, reduces vibration and noise, and allows for quick identification and addressing of balancer malfunctions, extending the lifespan of the washing machine and preventing component damage.
Implementation Method 1
at least one electrode provided at an inner surface of the balancer housing in a circumferential direction of the balancer housing in order to transmit electric power to the moving unit of the balancing module
Implementation Method 2
a connector provided at an outer surface of the balancer housing in order to electrically connect the electric wire and the electrode
Implementation Method 3
a control method to diagnose a malfunction of the balancer... detecting electric signals
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A
Figure 2B
AI summary
Washing machine (1) including a rotary drum (30) and a balancer (100)to counterbalance an unbalanced load generated in the rotary drum (30). The balancer (100) includes a balancer housing (110) mounted to the rotary drum (30), and a balancing module (200a, 200b) having a moving unit (220) to move inside the balancer housing (110). The balancer housing (110) includes an electrode (111, 112) provided at an inner surface of the balancer housing (110) in a circumferential direction thereof in order to transmit electric power to the moving unit (220) of the balancing module (200a, 200b), an electric wire (122) electrically connected to the electrode (111, 112) in order to apply electric power from an external power source to the electrode (111, 112), and a connector (120) provided at an outer surface of the balancer housing (110) in order to electrically connect the electric wire (122) and the electrode (111, 112).