Washer Motor Waveform Control for Sensorless Load Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laundry treating apparatuses face limitations in accurately determining the washing cycle based on laundry status due to the need for expensive and delicate sensors, leading to unreliable washing performance.
Innovation Solution
A control method that performs test driving of the motor part to detect a driving waveform, compares it with pre-stored driving information, and determines a control pattern to optimize the washing cycle without additional detection means, allowing for learning control and improved performance over time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If expensive and delicate sensors are used to detect laundry status, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical/electronic sensor systems with a simplified approach using the motor's existing electrical characteristics. By measuring current consumption and analyzing driving waveforms during motor operation, the system infers laundry status (weight, texture, volume) without physical contact sensors, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining measurement capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces electrical current and waveform analysis as an intermediary medium to indirectly detect laundry status. Instead of using sensors to directly measure physical properties of laundry, the system uses motor current characteristics as a mediator that reflects laundry conditions, simplifying the detection mechanism
2Measurement precision
If multiple sophisticated detection means are added to improve washing performance, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the motor serve multiple functions: it not only drives the washing drum but also acts as a sensing element for detecting laundry status. By analyzing the motor's current consumption and driving waveform characteristics during normal operation, the system simultaneously achieves washing and detection functions, eliminating the need for separate detection components and simplifying manufacturing
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the motor's own operational characteristics (current, waveform) to detect laundry status without requiring external detection devices. The motor essentially monitors itself while performing its primary function, making the system self-sufficient and easier to manufacture
3Reliability
If test driving and waveform analysis are performed to determine control patterns, then reliability is improved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs only essential test driving with minimal waveform analysis to determine control patterns. By analyzing key characteristics of the driving waveform (current peaks, rotation speed patterns) rather than performing exhaustive analysis, the system achieves sufficient reliability for cycle determination while minimizing the time lost during testing
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs brief test driving before the main washing cycle to pre-determine the appropriate washing cycle based on detected laundry status. This preliminary action allows the system to select the optimal control pattern in advance, ensuring reliable washing performance while keeping the time investment minimal
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a laundry treating apparatus (100) and a control method thereof, and more particularly to a control device (30) of a laundry treating apparatus (100), the laundry treating apparatus, and a control method of the laundry treating apparatus, wherein the control device performs test driving of a motor part (20) for driving a washing part, determines control pattern on the basis of a result of the test driving, and controls the motor part in accordance with the control pattern.