Washing Machine Active Balancing Unit with Wireless Power Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional washing machines experience unbalancing issues during high-speed spinning, leading to vibration and noise due to the discrepancy between the drum's rotational center and the laundry's center of gravity, which existing balancers cannot address effectively by being passively positioned.
Innovation Solution
A washing machine with a balancing unit that actively moves along the drum's circumference to adjust the center of gravity, utilizing a wireless power transmission system to power a motor-driven balancing unit, allowing precise positioning to counteract unbalancing through a transmission and reception coil system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a ball balancer is used to reduce unbalancing, then vibration and noise are reduced, but the balancer cannot be positioned at a desired location because it rotates passively with the drum
Solution Approach 1:
The balancing unit is designed to move dynamically along the guide rail to different positions on the drum circumference based on detected unbalance conditions. The driving mechanism includes a motor that actively positions the balancing unit, allowing it to adapt its location rather than remaining fixed or rotating passively with the drum.
Solution Approach 2:
A guide rail serves as an intermediary structure that enables the balancing unit to move along the drum circumference. The guide rail provides a track for the balancing unit to slide or roll on, facilitating controlled movement to optimal balancing positions without direct mechanical connection to the rotating drum.
2Measurement precision
If a motor-driven balancing unit with wireless power transmission is implemented, then precise positioning is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Wireless power transmission technology is used to replace traditional wired power connection methods. The balancing unit receives power wirelessly through electromagnetic induction or radiation, eliminating the need for physical power cables that would complicate the moving mechanism and require sliding contacts or flexible hoses.
Solution Approach 2:
The balancing unit integrates multiple functions into a single device: it contains both the balancing mass and the wireless power reception system. This multi-functional design reduces overall system complexity by combining what could be separate components into one integrated unit that performs both power reception and unbalance correction.
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
Effectively reduces unbalancing and associated vibrations and noise by actively adjusting the center of gravity to align with the rotational axis, enhancing the spinning process's stability and reducing noise.
Implementation Method 1
a wireless power transmission system that wirelessly transmits power supplied from a power supply unit to the balancing unit
Implementation Method 2
a motor-driven balancing unit
Data Source
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AI summary
A washing machine actively resolving unbalancing is provided. The washing machine includes: a drum accommodating laundry and configured to be rotatable; a balancing unit moving along the circumference of the drum and changing the center of gravity of the drum; and a wireless power transmission unit wirelessly supplying power to the balancing unit.