Washing Machine Recirculation Pump Control for Slurp Noise
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Solution Overview
Problem
Circulation pump systems in washing machines face challenges in maintaining a high average volumetric flow while minimizing the occurrence of slurping pumping, which causes acoustic disturbances and affects washing efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A control method that monitors the running properties of the circulation pump system, detects slurp pumping, and adjusts operating parameters such as volume flow and time intervals to prevent slurping by reducing the time-averaged volume flow when reference values are exceeded, ensuring reliable operation without unwanted noise.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the circulation pump operates with high volume flow for extended periods, then washing efficiency is improved, but slurp pumping occurs causing acoustic disturbances
Solution Approach 1:
The control device continuously monitors running properties of the circulation pump system and compares them against reference values. When slurp pumping is detected (parameter exceeds reference value), the system automatically adjusts operating parameters by reducing volume flow or extending time intervals, creating a closed-loop feedback control that prevents acoustic disturbances while maintaining washing efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts operating parameters (volume flow and time intervals) based on real-time monitoring of pump running properties. Rather than operating at fixed high flow rates, the system adapts its operation to prevent slurp pumping conditions, optimizing the balance between washing efficiency and noise prevention
2Productivity
If the circulation pump operates with high time-averaged volume flow, then washing result is improved, but the risk of slurp pumping increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control device uses feedback control by continuously monitoring pump running properties and comparing them to reference values. When the system detects conditions approaching slurp pumping (parameter exceeds reference), it reduces time-averaged volume flow through parameter adjustment, thereby maintaining washing result while reducing slurp pumping risk
Solution Approach 2:
The system takes preliminary action by monitoring running properties and adjusting parameters before slurp pumping actually occurs. By detecting trends and preemptively reducing volume flow or extending time intervals when reference values are approached, the system prevents slurp pumping conditions from developing
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for controlling a circulation pump system with a circulation pump with measurable running properties for circulating washing suds with an adjustable volume flow in a suds container of a washing machine, the method having the following method steps: a) operating the circulation pump system with operating parameters such as at least a volume flow (V1) during a volume flow time interval (T1), b) analysis of the running properties of the circulation pump system during operation of the circulation pump system according to method step a) for detecting slurping pumping of a wash suds-air mixture through the circulation pump, c) Saving slurp pump information if slurp pumping of the circulation pump has been detected in step b), d) comparison of the slurp pump information obtained in step c) with at least one predetermined and assigned slurp pump reference value, e) changing at least one of the Operating parameters consisting of the volume flow (V1) and the first volume flow time interval (T1), such that a time-averaged volume flow circulated by the circulating pump system is reduced if the at least one slurp pump reference value in method step d) has been exceeded, and f ) Waiting a waiting period and/or repeating method steps b) to e) until the slurping pumping of the circulation pump is no longer detected via the measurable running properties during the operation of the circulation pump system.