Methods of operating balancing systems of washing machine appliances with motion sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing washing machine technologies fail to accurately monitor and compensate for load imbalances during operation, leading to noise, vibrations, and premature component failure due to the lack of effective detection and correction methods.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that utilize a balancing system with fluid chambers and a measurement device to detect tub movement and send signals for fluid distribution, allowing for real-time adjustment to counterbalance imbalances during the wash cycle, eliminating the need for additional sensors and components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional monitoring systems using motor current or rotational velocity are used, then the system can detect imbalance conditions, but the measurement precision is insufficient to accurately determine the position of articles within the tub
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical sensing systems with a simple measurement device that detects tub movement directly. Instead of using motor current or rotational velocity sensors, the invention uses a measurement device (such as an accelerometer or position sensor) mounted on the tub to directly measure tub movement, providing accurate imbalance detection without complex mechanical systems.
2Measurement precision
If additional sensors and components are added to improve balance monitoring, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the measurement device serve multiple functions: it detects tub movement, determines imbalance conditions, and provides feedback for the balancing system. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate sensors for each function, reducing component count while maintaining high measurement precision for load balance detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement device mounted on the tub directly measures tub movement caused by imbalance, using the tub's own movement as the measurement target. This self-service approach eliminates the need for external sensors or complex measurement systems, achieving accurate balance monitoring with minimal components.
3Reliability
If balancing rings are added to the rotating basket, then some compensation for imbalance is provided, but the system fails to accurately detect or compensate for out-of-balance conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback loop where the measurement device continuously monitors tub movement during rotation, detects imbalance conditions, and provides real-time feedback to control the balancing system. This feedback mechanism enables accurate detection of imbalance position and magnitude, allowing the balancing rings to be effectively positioned for compensation, thereby improving both detection accuracy and compensation effectiveness.
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 effectively reduces tub movement and noise, extends appliance lifespan by preventing premature wear, and enhances load balance accuracy without increasing complexity or cost.
Implementation Method 1
a measurement device configured for sending a first signal to a balancing system of the washing machine appliance
Implementation Method 2
The balancing system is configured for opening a valve to provide fluid to at least one of a plurality of fluid chambers of the balancing system based on the first signal and the second signal
Data Source
AI summary
A washing machine appliance and related methods are provided. The washing machine appliance has a wash tub, a wash basket rotatably mounted within the wash tub, and a balancing system comprising a plurality of fluid chambers defined in the wash basket. The method includes rotating the wash basket within the wash tub at a basket speed. The method also includes receiving, with the balancing system, a first signal from a measurement device and receiving, with the balancing system, a second signal from a controller of the washing machine appliance. The method further includes opening a valve to provide fluid to at least one of the plurality of fluid chambers of the balancing system based on the first signal and the second signal.