Washer Basket Braking Using Heater Load to Cut Rinse Water Use
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing washing machines face challenges in reducing water consumption during rinsing cycles while minimizing additional costs associated with complex re-circulating rinse water systems.
Innovation Solution
A washing machine with a multi-speed drive system, brake system, and resistive heater element, controlled by an inverter and controller, which allows for efficient water heating and energy dissipation during the wash cycle, reducing water usage and costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If re-circulating rinse water flow is used to reduce water consumption, then water consumption is reduced, but device complexity increases due to additional valves, pumps, and conduits
Solution Approach 1:
The motor serves dual functions: driving the basket rotation during wash cycles and acting as a generator during braking to dissipate energy as heat through the heater element. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate braking mechanisms and reduces overall system complexity while maintaining water reduction benefits
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses its own motor and heater element for energy dissipation during braking, rather than requiring external braking components. The motor's kinetic energy is converted to electrical energy and then to thermal energy through the existing heater, creating a self-contained energy management system that reduces water consumption without adding complexity
2Reliability
If deep-fill rinse process is used to submerge articles in water, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but water consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the physical state and temperature of rinse water through heating, transforming cold rinse water into warm water that enhances cleaning effectiveness. This parameter change allows for reduced water quantity while maintaining or improving cleaning performance, as thermal energy activates detergent and improves soil removal efficiency
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 enables efficient water heating and energy management, reducing water consumption and operational costs by optimizing the wash cycle with controlled rotation and braking of the basket, while maintaining effective cleaning.
Implementation Method 1
braking the rotating basket by transferring energy from the motor through the inverter to the resistive heater
Implementation Method 2
heating the wash liquid at least partially with the resistive heater
Data Source
AI summary
In an exemplary embodiment, a washing machine includes a tub having a bottom wall with a cavity therein, a basket rotatably mounted within the tub and rotatable around a vertical axis, and a multi speed drive system coupled to the basket. The drive system is configured to rotate the basket at a plurality of speeds. The washing machine also includes a brake system coupled to the basket. The brake system is configured to brake the rotation of the basket. The washing machine further includes at least one resistive heater element mounted in the cavity of the tub; and an inverter coupled to the drive system, the brake system, and the at least one resistive heater element.