Washing Drum Two-Position Blocking Device with Micro-Switch Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automatic positioning systems for washing drums lack precision in final positioning due to variable breaking distances and require manual intervention, are costly, and fail to integrate effectively with other washing machine systems, lacking real-time control and position feedback.
Innovation Solution
A two-positioning blocking device with a sensor, blocking disc, positioning strip, and micro-switches that use an electromotor and spring mechanism to automatically position the blocking element into cut-out sections on the blocking disc, providing precise control and integration with the washing machine's control system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a friction break is used for blocking the washing drum, then the blocking function is achieved, but the final position is not defined precisely due to variable breaking distance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the friction-based mechanical braking system with a positive engagement mechanism featuring a blocking element that inserts into cut-out sections of a blocking disc. This mechanical interlocking system eliminates the variability of breaking distance by providing discrete, predetermined stopping positions through the engagement of the blocking element with specifically positioned cut-outs in the blocking disc.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transforms the continuous positioning parameter into a discrete parameter system. Instead of relying on friction to stop at an approximate position, the blocking disc is designed with specific cut-out sections at predetermined angular positions, and the blocking element engages with these discrete positions to achieve precise, repeatable blocking at exact locations.
2Ease of operation
If manual impact mechanism is used for blocking the washing drum, then the blocking function is achieved, but manual operation is required and the drum must be turned manually to the blocking position
Solution Approach 1:
The system achieves automatic operation through a self-actuating mechanism where the blocking element is automatically positioned and engaged with the blocking disc cut-outs based on the drum's rotational position detected by sensors. The control system automatically actuates the blocking mechanism without requiring manual intervention, and the system self-regulates by detecting when blocking is achieved through micro-switch feedback.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates micro-switches that detect the position of the blocking element and provide feedback signals to the control system. This feedback mechanism allows the control system to know when the blocking has been successfully achieved and when the drum is in the correct position, enabling automatic control without manual intervention while maintaining manageable system complexity through simple binary position detection.
3Extent of automation
If two sensors with parallel signal monitoring are used for automatic positioning, then automatic blocking is achieved, but the control system becomes demanding and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses micro-switches that provide direct positional feedback about the blocking element's position and the drum's position relative to the blocking disc cut-outs. This feedback mechanism enables automatic positioning by allowing the control system to detect when the blocking element aligns with a cut-out section and when blocking has been successfully achieved, simplifying the control logic compared to complex parallel sensor signal monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The blocking disc with its cut-out sections serves as an intermediary mechanical element that translates the drum's rotational position into discrete, detectable positions. The micro-switches detect the engagement state of the blocking element with the cut-outs, providing simplified binary feedback signals to the control system rather than requiring complex continuous position monitoring from multiple sensors.
4Loss of information
If blocking systems without system integration are used, then the blocking function is achieved, but the control system lacks information about blocking status and drum position
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates micro-switches that provide feedback signals to the control system about the blocking element's position and the drum's position relative to the blocking disc cut-outs. This feedback mechanism ensures the control system has complete information about whether blocking has been achieved and what the current drum position is, eliminating information loss while maintaining manageable system integration through simple position detection.
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
Ensures precise and automatic blocking of the washing drum in a predetermined position, reducing manual effort, minimizing costs, and enhancing system integration by providing real-time position feedback and control, thus improving the overall functionality of the washing machine.
Implementation Method 1
at least one sensor (1) of a position of a washing drum, at least one blocking disc (2) with at least one cut-out section (2a, 2b) and with at least one positioning strip (16) performed on its circumference
Implementation Method 2
at least two controlling micro-switches (13, 15), which are intended to signalize a position of the blocking element (4), which are able to communicate with the control system of a washing machine
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
Two-positioning blocking device of a washing drum, comprising one position sensor (1) of a washing drum, one blocking disc (2) with at least two cut-out sections (2a, 2b) provided on its circumference and with more than one positioning strip (16), wherein the strip (16) is firmly connected to a rotary part of a component of the washing drum, one blocking element (4) intended to be inserted into one of the cut-out sections (2a, 2b) of the blocking disc (2), controlled by at least one actuating member, which is connected to a control system of a washing machine, whereas the blocking element (4) is controlled directly by the actuating member or via a scroll bar (6), and at least two controlling micro-switches (13, 15), which are intended to signalize a position of the blocking element (4) and are able to communicate with the control system of the washing machine.