System for detecting the position of a washing machine subwasher
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing washing machine appliances face issues with subwasher imbalance during operation, leading to excessive noise, vibration, and potential damage due to eccentric rotation caused by uneven laundry load distribution, which current position sensing systems fail to detect.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising suspension elements, position sensors, and a controller that determines the static and dynamic positions of the subwasher, identifying out-of-balance conditions by analyzing inputs from linear position sensors, particularly string potentiometers, to adjust operations and prevent damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If known position sensing systems are used for washing machine subwashers, then the system structure is simple, but the system fails to detect misaligned subwasher within the cabinet
Solution Approach 1:
The position sensing system is segmented into multiple independent linear position sensors (e.g., three or more sensors) distributed at different locations on the cabinet. Each sensor independently measures the position of the subwasher at its specific location, and the controller integrates these multiple measurements to determine the overall subwasher position and alignment status, thereby improving detection accuracy without requiring a single complex sensor system
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces linear position sensors as intermediary devices that indirectly measure subwasher position by detecting the position of suspension elements or reference structures on the cabinet. These sensors serve as mediators between the moving subwasher and the fixed cabinet, converting mechanical position information into electrical signals that the controller can process to detect misalignment
2Reliability
If subwasher is not properly aligned with the cabinet, then the device complexity is reduced, but the subwasher may contact the cabinet causing damage
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary alignment detection by measuring the static position of the subwasher using linear position sensors before the spin cycle begins. The controller compares the measured position against predetermined alignment criteria and can issue warnings or adjust operations in advance, preventing potential cabinet contact before it occurs rather than reacting after damage has happened
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where linear position sensors continuously monitor subwasher position during operation, and the controller receives real-time position data to determine whether the subwasher remains properly aligned. This feedback loop enables the system to detect misalignment conditions and adjust operational parameters or alert the user, ensuring reliable operation while maintaining a relatively simple system architecture
Data Source
AI summary
A laundry appliance includes a subwasher suspended within a cabinet by one or more suspension elements, and one or more linear position sensors fixed to the cabinet for determining the position of the subwasher within the cabinet. A controller is configured to receive input from the one or more position sensors and determine the position of the subwasher from the position sensor input.