Washing Machine Motor With Self-Powered Drum Device Supply
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional washing machines require complex configurations for electric power supply to drum-mounted devices, increasing cabinet size and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A washing machine design incorporating a motor with a ring-shaped stator and rotor for electromagnetic interaction, a power-generation unit using magnets and coils, and a drive shaft that transmits both rotational power and generated electricity to drum-mounted devices, eliminating the need for external power sources within the cabinet.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If an external power source is mounted within the cabinet to supply electric power to drum-mounted devices, then the electric power supply capability is improved, but the cabinet size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The motor generates its own electric power through electromagnetic interaction between the rotor and stator, eliminating the need for an external power source within the cabinet. The motor serves itself by converting mechanical energy from drum rotation into electrical energy to power drum-mounted devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The motor performs dual functions: it acts as both a drive motor to rotate the drum and as a generator to produce electric power for drum-mounted devices. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate power supply components.
2Reliability
If a complex configuration is used for connection of electric wires to supply power to drum-mounted devices, then the electric power supply reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electric wire is nested within the hollow drive shaft, allowing the wire to pass through the interior cavity of the drive shaft from the motor to the drum-mounted devices. This nested configuration protects the wire and simplifies the overall connection structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The hollow drive shaft serves as an intermediary structure that facilitates the passage and protection of the electric wire between the motor and drum-mounted devices, simplifying the connection while maintaining reliability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the drum is equipped with electric devices requiring external power supply, then the functionality of the drum is improved, but the cabinet size increases due to mounting external power sources
Solution Approach 1:
The motor generates its own electric power through electromagnetic interaction between the rotor and stator, eliminating the need for an external power source within the cabinet. The motor serves itself by converting mechanical energy from drum rotation into electrical energy to power drum-mounted devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The motor performs dual functions: it acts as both a drive motor to rotate the drum and as a generator to produce electric power for drum-mounted devices. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate power supply components.
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
Enables self-power generation and simplified electric power supply to drum-mounted devices, reducing cabinet size and complexity while stabilizing drum rotation and preventing electric wire twisting.
Implementation Method 1
a rotor placed around the stator so as to be rotated via electromagnetic interaction with the stator
Implementation Method 2
the power-generation unit may include a plurality of magnets affixed in a circumferential direction to a surface of the stator adjacent to the rotor, and a plurality of coils affixed in the circumferential direction at positions corresponding to the plurality of magnets to a surface of the rotor adjacent to the stator, and the power-generation unit may generate electric power by electromagnetic interaction between the plurality of magnets and the plurality of coils
Implementation Method 3
the generator may generate being rotatable about an axis thereof, and the generator may generate electric power by being rotated via friction with the rib when the rotor is rotated by the external power source
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are a motor usable with a washing machine, which includes a drive shaft to enable supply of electric power to an electric device within a drum, and a washing machine having the same. The washing machine may include a cabinet, a tub placed within the cabinet, a drum rotatably placed within the tub and configured to accommodate laundry therein, at least one electric device mounted to the drum and configured to be operable by electric power, a motor including a ring-shaped stator mounted to a rear wall of the tub and a rotor placed around the stator so as to be rotated via electromagnetic interaction with the stator, the motor being driven by an external power source, and an electric power generating device including a power-generation unit to generate electric power to be transmitted to the electric device via driving of the motor.