Pulley Motor Control Circuit for Washing Machine Pump Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
The complexity and bulkiness of cabling in washing machines due to numerous electronic components and the need for multiple power supplies create challenges in simplicity, cost-effectiveness, and reliability.
Innovation Solution
A synchronous pulley electric motor with an external rotor and internal stator, along with a discharge electric pump using a secondary inverter powered through the electronic control circuitry, reduces the number of electronic components and cabling by integrating power supply and control for both motors within the pulley electric motor's circuitry, eliminating direct connections to the mains for the discharge pump.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate power supplies and control circuits are provided for each electric motor (pulley motor and discharge pump motor), then each motor can be independently controlled and powered, but the cabling structure becomes complex and bulky with multiple cables running from the central unit to various peripherals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the power supply and control circuits for both the pulley motor and discharge pump motor into a single integrated power supply unit located in the pulley motor housing. This merging eliminates the need for separate power cables and control wiring to the discharge pump, reducing cabling complexity while maintaining independent motor control through electronic switching.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated power supply unit serves multiple functions: it powers the pulley motor directly from mains voltage, controls the discharge pump motor through an inverter circuit, and provides control signals to other washing machine components. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require separate dedicated power and control systems.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple electronic components and power supplies are distributed throughout the washing machine, then each component can be optimized for its specific function, but the overall system becomes bulkier and more difficult to manufacture
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the power supply circuitry, inverter, and control electronics into a single integrated unit housed within the pulley motor housing. This consolidation simplifies manufacturing by reducing the number of separate components that need to be sourced, assembled, and wired, while still providing optimized control for both motors through the integrated electronic circuits.
3Power
If separate power cables are provided for each motor, then each motor receives adequate power independently, but the washing machine requires more cables and larger cable routing space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent consolidates power delivery by providing mains voltage to a single integrated power supply unit, which then distributes power to both motors through internal wiring. This eliminates the need for separate external power cables to each motor, significantly reducing cable routing space and simplifying the overall electrical architecture.
4Reliability
If the discharge pump is equipped with its own electronic control circuitry and power supply, then it can operate independently, but the system requires additional heat dissipaters and increases the risk of malfunctions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the control electronics for both motors into a single integrated control unit, eliminating the need for separate heat dissipaters and reducing the total number of electronic components. The integrated design maintains independent motor control through electronic switching while reducing system complexity and potential failure points.
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 solution simplifies the washing machine's design, reduces production complexity, enhances reliability, and minimizes the risk of malfunctions by consolidating power and control circuits, eliminating the need for separate power cables and heat dissipaters, while maintaining efficient operation.
Implementation Method 1
The stator is equipped with polar expansions wrapped around with windings fed with power so as to impose a rotary magnetic field to the air gap; such a rotary magnetic field, interacting with the magnetism of the permanent rotor magnets, makes the rotor rotate.
Implementation Method 2
The outer rotor, equipped with permanent magnets, surrounds the stator with spacing due to an air gap.
Implementation Method 3
The electric pumping motor of the electric pump is preferably of the synchronous type comprising an internal permanent magnet rotor and an external stator wrapped with windings.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention describes a pulley electric motor (4) for a washing machine (1), of the type comprising a stator (7) and a rotor (6), said pulley electric motor (4) comprising both electronic power circuitry (31) for actuating said rotor (6) and electronic control circuitry (32) for controlling said electronic power circuitry (31) so as to control the movement of said rotor (6), wherein said electronic control circuitry (32) is structured and configured to also control a discharge electric pump (19) of the same washing machine. It also describes an actuation system for a washing machine, comprising a pulley electric motor (4) for the actuation into rotation of a washing drum and a discharge electric pump (19) for discharging washing water, controlled by said electronic control circuitry (32), the pulley electric motor (4) being equipped with electronic control circuitry structured and configured to also control said discharge electric pump (19) of the same washing machine (1). Finally, it describes a washing machine (1) comprising a housing body (2) for a rotary washing drum (3), a pulley electric motor connected to said drum through a kinematic belt/pulley coupling, a discharge electric pump (19) of the washing water, electronic control circuitry (32) for controlling the pulley electric motor, wherein the electronic control circuitry is structured and configured to also control said discharge electric pump of the same washing machine