Washing Machine Bubble Detection for Efficient Dehydration Cycles
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Solution Overview
Problem
The efficiency of the dehydration cycle in washing machines is reduced due to bubble generation, which acts as resistance against the drum's rotation, leading to lower motor rotation speeds and potential bubble leakage during high-speed dehydration.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for detecting and removing bubbles in the drum by controlling the motor's rotation speed, using a microcomputer to determine bubble generation and implementing a bubble removal algorithm to maintain efficient dehydration cycles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the motor rotation speed is increased to improve dehydration efficiency, then the dehydration performance is improved, but bubbles are excessively generated and leaked
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by detecting bubbles at a first rotation speed before reaching the target second rotation speed. When bubbles are detected, the motor rotation speed is temporarily reduced to suppress bubble generation, preventing bubble leakage before it occurs during high-speed dehydration
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback control by continuously monitoring bubble generation during motor acceleration and dynamically adjusting the rotation speed based on bubble detection results. The microcomputer adjusts the motor speed in real-time based on bubble conditions, creating a closed-loop control system that balances dehydration efficiency with bubble suppression
2Productivity
If the motor rotation speed is increased to achieve high-speed dehydration, then moisture removal effectiveness is improved, but bubbles act as resistance against drum rotation
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary bubble detection at the first rotation speed before accelerating to the second rotation speed. By detecting and addressing bubble formation early, the system prevents bubbles from accumulating to levels that would create significant rotational resistance during high-speed dehydration
Solution Approach 2:
The feedback mechanism monitors bubble generation and adjusts motor speed accordingly. When bubbles are detected, the system reduces rotation speed to minimize bubble-related resistance, then resumes acceleration when bubble conditions improve, optimizing the balance between dehydration performance and rotational efficiency
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 approach improves the efficiency of the dehydration cycle by reducing bubble-related resistance and leakage, ensuring stable and effective moisture removal during high-speed operations.
Implementation Method 1
As a dehydration cycle starts, the rotation speed (RPM) of a motor increases. As centrifugal force is applied to laundry and residual moisture of the laundry
Implementation Method 2
the detergent escapes from the laundry, thereby generating bubbles. At this time, bubbles act as resistance against rotation of the drum
Data Source
AI summary
A method of controlling a washing machine includes starting driving of a motor for rotating a drum and increasing a rotation speed of the motor to a first rotation speed, increasing the rotation speed of the motor from the first rotation speed to a second rotation speed, after the rotation speed of the motor have increased to the first rotation speed, and determining whether bubbles have been generated in the drum while the rotation speed of the motor increases to the second rotation speed. A difference between the second rotation speed and the first rotation speed is greater than the first rotation speed.