Washing Machine Load Sizing From Basket Motor Power
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Solution Overview
Problem
Accurately determining the size of a load within a washing machine's wash chamber is challenging due to changes in friction and other forces that hinder the basket's rotation, leading to inefficient water usage and potential poor cleaning.
Innovation Solution
A method that involves determining the average power delivered to the motor while rotating the basket at a first angular velocity, establishing instantaneous powers during acceleration, and calculating a load score based on these measurements to estimate the mass of articles within the wash chamber, which corresponds to the load size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the volume of water directed into the tub is increased to ensure proper washing, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but water and energy waste increases for small loads
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary measurement of the load mass before the washing cycle begins. By determining the actual load size in advance using motor power measurements during basket rotation, the system can pre-calculate the optimal water volume needed, preventing both water waste and insufficient washing from the outset
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from motor power measurements to dynamically determine load size. By continuously monitoring the power required to rotate the basket and analyzing the relationship between motor power and basket angular velocity, the system receives feedback about the actual load mass and adjusts water volume accordingly
2Measurement precision
If motor power measurements are taken during basket rotation to determine load size, then measurement precision is improved, but the system becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the motor that is already required for basket operation to perform the measurement function. The motor's power consumption during normal rotation serves dual purposes: driving the basket and providing load measurement data, eliminating the need for separate measurement devices
Solution Approach 2:
The motor serves multiple functions: it drives the basket rotation for washing operations and simultaneously acts as a measurement sensor for load detection. By making the motor multi-functional, the system achieves precise load measurement without adding dedicated measurement hardware
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 method allows for precise determination of the load size, optimizing water usage by adjusting the water volume accordingly, thereby enhancing cleaning efficiency and conserving resources.
Implementation Method 1
determining an average power delivered to a motor of the washing machine appliance while a basket is rotating at a first angular velocity
Implementation Method 2
establishing a plurality of instantaneous powers delivered to the motor while the basket is accelerating from the first angular velocity
Data Source
AI summary
The present subject matter provides a washing machine appliance and a method for operating a washing machine appliance. The method includes determining an average power delivered to a motor of the washing machine appliance while a basket is rotating at a first angular velocity, establishing a plurality of instantaneous powers delivered to the motor while the basket is accelerating from the first angular velocity, and calculating a load score of articles within a wash chamber of the basket based at least in part on the average power delivered to the motor and the plurality of instantaneous powers delivered to the motor. The load score can correspond to a mass of articles within the wash chamber of the basket.