Washer Clutch Position Sensing for Reliable Mode Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Washing machines face operational failures and damage due to improper engagement or release of the clutch with the rotor, leading to potential damage to the clutch, motor, and other components.
Innovation Solution
A washing machine design incorporating a magnetic sensor and shielding member to precisely sense the position of the clutch, ensuring accurate coupling and release states between the clutch and rotor, utilizing a magnet and magnetic sensor to detect changes in the magnetic field caused by the shielding member's motion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the clutch is made to be selectively engaged with the rotor to transmit rotational force, then the washing machine can switch between washing and dehydration modes, but the clutch may be damaged if engagement is not precise
Solution Approach 1:
A magnetic sensor detects the position of the clutch by sensing changes in the magnetic field caused by a magnet on the clutch, providing feedback to the control unit. The control unit uses this feedback to determine when the clutch is fully engaged or disengaged, ensuring precise control and preventing damage from improper engagement while maintaining reliable mode switching between washing and dehydration cycles.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical position detection methods with a magnetic sensing system. A magnet is attached to the clutch and a magnetic sensor detects its position through magnetic field changes, eliminating the need for complex mechanical switches or contacts and providing more reliable, wear-free position detection for clutch engagement status.
2Productivity
If the clutch is moved quickly between engaged and disengaged states, then operational efficiency is improved, but impact forces may damage the clutch motor or shafts
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic sensor detects the clutch position in advance during the engagement and disengagement process. The control unit receives this position information and can control the clutch motor to stop or slow down before the clutch reaches the fully engaged or disengaged state, preventing excessive impact forces while maintaining efficient operation. This preliminary detection allows for controlled deceleration and prevents damage to the clutch motor, washing shaft, and dehydration shaft.
3Measurement precision
If a magnetic sensor and shielding member are added to precisely sense clutch position, then clutch engagement accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A magnet is attached to the clutch as an intermediary element that carries magnetic information. The magnetic sensor detects the clutch position by sensing the magnetic field changes caused by this magnet, providing a simple and effective way to achieve precise position detection without complex mechanical sensors or switches. The shielding member prevents interference from other magnetic fields in the washing machine, ensuring accurate detection while keeping the overall system relatively simple.
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
Prevents damage and operational failures by precisely sensing the coupled or released state of the clutch, enhancing the reliability and longevity of the washing machine's components.
Implementation Method 1
a magnetic sensor disposed to face the magnet, wherein the magnetic sensor sense a change in magnetic field from the magnet caused by the shielding member shielding a space between the magnet and the magnetic sensor by a motion of the clutch
Data Source
AI summary
A washing machine capable of preventing damages of a clutch, a motor, etc., by sensing whether the clutch is normally operated. The clutch transmits a rotational force of the rotor to a dehydration shaft. The washing machine includes a washing shaft configured to rotate a pulsator, a dehydration shaft configured to rotate a drum disposed in a reservoir, a rotor coupled with the washing shaft and configured to transmit a rotational force to the washing shaft, a clutch configured to selectively transmit a rotational force of the rotor to the dehydration shaft a shielding member mounted to the clutch, a magnet provided at the rotor, and a magnetic sensor disposed to face the magnet. The magnetic sensor senses a position of the clutch as the shielding member shields a space between the magnet and the magnetic sensor by a motion of the clutch.