Washing machine and method of controlling the same
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing washing machines with passive ball or liquid balancers face challenges in accurately detecting and actively controlling the position of the balancer to counteract laundry imbalance during rotation, leading to inefficient vibration reduction and noise.
Innovation Solution
A washing machine equipped with a transmission coil to generate a magnetic field, a reception coil to convert power, and a position sensing unit to generate a position signal, allowing for precise determination of the balancer's position using a hall sensor and pulse signal counting, enabling active movement of the balancer to balance the drum.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a passive ball balancer or liquid balancer is used, then the structure is simple, but the position detection precision deteriorates because the balancer moves passively with the drum rotation making it difficult to grasp its position
Solution Approach 1:
A magnetic field is introduced as an intermediary between the balancer and the detection system. The transmission coil generates a magnetic field that penetrates the drum, and the reception coil on the balancer interacts with this field. This magnetic field intermediary enables position detection without mechanical contact or complex sensors on the moving balancer itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical position detection methods with a magnetic field-based detection system. Instead of using mechanical markers or sensors that would add complexity to the balancer structure, the system uses electromagnetic fields to detect balancer position, substituting mechanical detection with electromagnetic detection.
2Ease of operation
If an actively movable balancer is used, then the balancer position control is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the need for position sensing and control systems
Solution Approach 1:
The control system uses electromagnetic fields instead of mechanical linkages or electrical wiring to sense and control balancer position. The transmission coil and reception coil system replaces complex mechanical position sensing mechanisms, reducing the overall device complexity while maintaining active control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic field system serves multiple functions: it provides power transmission to the balancer and simultaneously enables position detection. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate systems, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining ease of operation.
3Ease of operation
If wireless power transmission is used for the balancer, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability of power transmission deteriorates due to magnetic field interference
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic field serves as an intermediary for power transmission, allowing energy to be transferred wirelessly from the transmission coil to the reception coil on the balancer. This intermediary approach enables the balancer to receive power without mechanical connections or wiring, improving ease of operation while maintaining reliability through controlled magnetic coupling.
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
This solution allows for accurate detection and control of the balancer's position, effectively reducing imbalance and noise by actively moving the balancer along the drum's circumference, enhancing the washing machine's operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a transmission coil provided at the tub, and to generate a magnetic field and transmit power wirelessly to the balancing unit
Implementation Method 2
a reception coil to generate electric power from the magnetic field formed by the transmission coil
Implementation Method 3
a position sensing unit to sense the magnetic field formed by the transmission coil, and to generate a position signal when the balancing unit passes through the transmission coil
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a washing machine, having an actively movable balancer, and method of controlling the same. The washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a tub; a drum; a balancing unit moving along a circumference of the drum; and a transmission coil provided at the tub, and to generate a magnetic field and transmit power wirelessly to the balancing unit, wherein the balancing unit comprises: a reception coil to generate electric power from the magnetic field formed by the transmission coil; and a position sensing unit to sense the magnetic field formed by the transmission coil and to generate a position signal when the balancing unit passes through the transmission coil.