Washer Drum Acceleration Profiles for Load Imbalance Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Laundry treating appliances, such as washing machines, often operate at fixed drum rotation speeds regardless of laundry load characteristics, leading to potential imbalance issues during cycles, which can result in inefficient washing and potential damage.
Innovation Solution
A method is introduced to determine the laundry load amount, set an acceleration profile, and adjust the drum speed from a non-satellizing to a satellizing speed while monitoring imbalance, decelerating if imbalance is unacceptable, and resetting the profile until acceptable, storing the profile for future use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the drum rotates at fixed speeds regardless of laundry load characteristics, then the operation is simple and consistent, but imbalance issues occur during cycles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from fixed drum speeds to variable acceleration profiles. The controller dynamically adjusts the acceleration rate based on detected load characteristics (mass, distribution), allowing the drum to reach optimal speeds while minimizing imbalance. This resolves the contradiction by making the operation adaptive rather than static, improving reliability without significantly complicating the operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback through load detection mechanisms that measure laundry characteristics before and during the cycle. The controller uses this feedback to adjust acceleration profiles in real-time, detecting imbalance conditions and modifying drum behavior accordingly. This feedback loop resolves the contradiction by enabling the system to maintain reliability through adaptive control while keeping the user interface simple.
2Productivity
If the drum accelerates quickly to high speed, then cycle time is reduced and productivity increases, but imbalance and tub-to-cabinet hits occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by detecting the laundry load characteristics before the drum acceleration begins. The controller pre-calculates an appropriate acceleration profile based on the detected load mass and distribution, preventing imbalance issues before they occur. This allows the drum to accelerate efficiently to optimal speeds without causing tub-to-cabinet hits, resolving the contradiction between productivity and harmful effects.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes parameters by adjusting the acceleration rate and target speed based on load characteristics. Instead of using a fixed high acceleration profile, the system modifies the acceleration parameters dynamically according to the detected laundry mass and distribution. This resolves the contradiction by enabling fast cycles for appropriate loads while preventing harmful effects when loads are unsuitable for high-speed operation.
3Reliability
If the drum speed is adjusted based on load amount, then imbalance is reduced, but the control system becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by implementing load detection and acceleration profile adjustment within the appliance's existing control architecture. The controller automatically detects load characteristics and selects appropriate acceleration profiles without requiring external intervention or complex additional hardware. This resolves the contradiction by making the control system intelligent and adaptive while keeping the added complexity minimal and integrated.
4Reliability
If the drum is decelerated and re-accelerated to correct imbalance, then load redistribution is achieved, but cycle time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by detecting potential imbalance conditions before they become severe and taking preventive action. The controller monitors load distribution during acceleration and can make minor adjustments to prevent significant imbalance, avoiding the need for full deceleration and re-acceleration cycles. This resolves the contradiction by correcting imbalance early with minimal time loss while maintaining reliability.
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 approach allows for real-time imbalance detection and redistribution, ensuring even load distribution, reducing the risk of tub-to-cabinet hits and optimizing cycle efficiency by learning from previous operations to avoid imbalances for specific load amounts.
Implementation Method 1
rotating the drum at a first speed sufficient to redistribude the laundry within the laundry treating chamber to eliminate an imbalance of the laundry load
Implementation Method 2
a motor operably coupled to the drum for rotating the drum
Data Source
AI summary
A laundry treating appliance for treating a laundry load according to at least one cycle of operation and a method of operating a laundry treating appliance to control the rotation of the drum to distribute the laundry load with an acceptable amount of imbalance such that the laundry treating appliance may be operated in an effective and efficient manner.