Washing Machine Balancer Module ID Matching Through Time Intervals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing washing machines face challenges in accurately shifting balancing modules to remove unbalance caused by eccentric laundry, leading to increased vibration and noise due to incorrect communication between the controller and balancing modules.
Innovation Solution
A control method for a washing machine that includes a rotary tub, a balancer with a ring-shaped channel for balancing modules, and a position detection sensor, which measures time intervals to confirm the relationship between module IDs and communication IDs by shifting balancing modules within the channel, ensuring correct positioning and communication for effective unbalance reduction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If balancing modules are shifted to correct unbalance, then vibration and noise are reduced, but communication accuracy between controller and balancing modules deteriorates due to incorrect ID matching
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by measuring time intervals between position detection signals before actual balancing operation. The controller stores reference time interval data when balancing modules are at known positions, then uses these pre-established references to correctly match communication IDs with module IDs during operation, preventing communication errors before they occur.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by continuously measuring time intervals between position detection signals and comparing them with reference values. The controller uses this feedback information to identify which balancing module corresponds to which communication ID, thereby maintaining accurate communication while the modules are shifted to correct unbalance conditions.
2Stability of the object's composition
If balancing modules are shifted to opposite side of eccentric laundry, then unbalance is removed, but communication errors occur when modules are disposed at similar positions to laundry concentration
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces mechanical identification methods with a time-based measurement system. Instead of relying on physical markers or mechanical position indicators that may be ambiguous when modules are at similar positions, the controller measures time intervals between position detection signals and uses these temporal measurements to uniquely identify each module's position and match it with the correct communication ID.
3Measurement precision
If position detection sensor detects balancing module positions accurately, then unbalance correction is improved, but system complexity increases due to additional measurement and matching mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service by using the existing position detection sensor to generate time interval measurements that automatically serve the identification function. The balancing modules themselves, through their interaction with the position detection sensor during rotation, provide the timing information needed for identification, eliminating the need for separate identification sensors or complex mechanical coding systems.
Data Source
AI summary
A washing machine having a balancer and a control method thereof which achieve correct communication between a controller and a balancing module such that a balancing module is correctly shifted to a target position. The control method of the washing machine includes measuring a first time between position detection time points of the balancing modules during rotation of the rotary tub when the plurality of balancing modules is in a static mode, measuring a second time between position detection time points of the balancing modules during rotation of the rotary tub when any one of the balancing modules is shifted by a predetermined distance through a movement command, and confirming a relationship between a module ID of any one of the balancing modules and a communication ID of the movement command through a relative variation of the second time with respect to the first time.