Washing Machine Power Sharing With Dryer Load Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional laundry treating appliances, such as washing machines and dryers, often operate with different power levels and sources, leading to inefficiencies and potential electrical overloading when used simultaneously, as they typically require separate and distinct power connections.

Innovation Solution

A system that allows a washing machine to share a 240V, 30A power source with a dryer, enabling both appliances to adjust their power usage based on operational demands, with a controller managing the switching between 120V and 240V power levels for heating elements to prevent overloading and optimize energy use.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If a washing machine and dryer both connect to a shared 240V power source, then power utilization efficiency is improved, but electrical overloading risk increases when both appliances operate simultaneously

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower utilization efficiencyVSAvoidelectrical overloading risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The heating elements are designed with dynamic power switching capability, allowing them to operate at different power levels (first power level and second power level) based on real-time power availability. The controller dynamically adjusts the power consumption of heating elements in response to power sharing conditions between washing machine and dryer, enabling flexible adaptation to shared power source constraints while preventing electrical overloading.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the operational parameters of heating elements by switching between different power levels. When the dryer is operating, the washing machine heating element switches to a reduced power level; when the dryer is not operating, the washing machine can use full power. This parameter change approach allows efficient power sharing while maintaining effective heating performance when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Temperature

If the washing machine heating element operates at full power continuously, then heating effectiveness is improved, but power consumption increases leading to potential overloading when dryer is also operating

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheating effectivenessVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The heating element operates dynamically at different power levels based on system conditions. The controller switches between first power level (reduced power) and second power level (full power) for the heating element, adjusting power consumption in real-time based on whether the dryer is operating and the current washing cycle requirements, thereby balancing heating effectiveness with power conservation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system applies partial heating action by operating the heating element at a reduced first power level during periods when the dryer is running. This partial action is sufficient for maintaining water temperature during extended cycles, while conserving power for when it is most needed. Full power (second power level) is reserved for critical heating phases when power is available.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Adaptability or versatility

If separate terminal blocks are used for 120V and 240V power connections, then appliance compatibility is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveappliance compatibilityVSAvoidterminal block configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The terminal block is designed with multi-functionality to accept both 120V and 240V power connections through a single unified interface. The terminal block includes configurations for different voltage inputs and automatically adapts to the connected power source type, eliminating the need for separate terminal blocks for different voltages and simplifying the overall connection system while maintaining broad appliance compatibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 power sharing between a washing machine and dryer, allowing them to operate simultaneously without overloading the electrical system, while optimizing energy use by adjusting power levels based on demand, thereby enhancing overall performance and safety.

Implementation Method 1

at least one heating element to provide heat to the laundry treating chamber... configured to draw power at first and second power levels

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectJoule heating: Joule Heating

Data Source

PatentUS10087572B2Washing machine

Publication Date: 2018.10.02 WHIRLPOOL CORP

AI summary

A pair of laundry treating appliances having power sharing capabilities through a piggyback plug with a rear facing electric socket. The rear facing electric socket is designed to receive a power plug from a compatible laundry treating appliance. The piggyback plug is connected to a terminal block of one of the laundry treating appliance wherein the terminal block is adapted to be selectively connected to one of a 120V or 240V electric power source. A controller is adapted with an algorithm to prevent electrical overloading by automatically reducing the electrical power consumed by one of the appliance when simultaneous energization of both appliances occur.