Washing Machine Clutch Alignment Assembly for Mode-Shift Engagement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing washing machine technologies face challenges in properly engaging and disengaging the clutch between different modes of operation, leading to potential damage due to misalignment and increased friction, which can result in clutch failure and other component damage.
Innovation Solution
A mechanism involving a clutch with alignable teeth and a clutch positioning assembly, utilizing a motor with a stator and rotor, and a controller to energize coils and align clutch teeth with rotor or locking teeth, allowing for precise engagement and disengagement along the axis of rotation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the motor is jogged or bumped to free the clutch, then the clutch can be released from engagement, but the clutch position becomes misaligned and may not be properly aligned for receipt by the platform lock or other holding feature
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary alignment of the clutch with the platform lock before engagement by using the motor to rotate the clutch to a predetermined position where the clutch teeth are properly aligned with the lock teeth, ensuring accurate engagement without subsequent misalignment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical jogging or bumping method with an electromagnetic control system that uses the motor's electromagnetic field to precisely position and align the clutch with the platform lock before engagement, eliminating the alignment errors caused by mechanical impact
2Ease of operation
If a spring or positioning mechanism is used to engage the clutch, then the clutch can be positioned for engagement, but the spring force may not be enough to overcome the friction caused by torque from clothes in the wash basket
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the spring-based mechanical positioning system with an electromechanical system that uses the motor to actively rotate and position the clutch, providing sufficient force to overcome friction from torque while maintaining precise control over the engagement process
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static spring force to a dynamic motor-driven positioning system that can adjust the engagement force in real-time based on the load conditions, ensuring adequate force to overcome friction while maintaining precise alignment
3Device complexity
If the clutch is not properly aligned when engaging with the motor, then the engagement process is simpler, but damage can occur to the appliance such as destroying the clutch and/or other components
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary alignment of the clutch with the motor shaft before engagement by using the motor to rotate the clutch to a predetermined position where the clutch teeth are properly aligned with the motor teeth, ensuring damage-free engagement
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from the motor's position sensing to confirm proper alignment of the clutch teeth with the motor teeth before completing the engagement, preventing misalignment damage while maintaining a streamlined process
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
Ensures proper alignment and engagement of the clutch, preventing damage by allowing controlled shifting between wash, rinse, and spin modes, maintaining appliance integrity and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
energizing at least one coil of the stator so as to rotate and hold the rotor at a position where the coil is aligned with at least one magnet carried by the rotor
Implementation Method 2
at least one magnet carried by the rotor; aligning a plurality of rotor teeth on the rotor with the first plurality of clutch teeth
Data Source
AI summary
A washing machine appliance and a method of operation thereof are provided for shifting between different modes such as wash, rinse, and/or spin modes. A clutch is used to shift between the different modes of operation. Alignment of the clutch, particularly the clutch teeth, is provided so as to allow for proper engagement of the clutch and motor or to properly align the clutch teeth for disengagement and locking with locking teeth carried upon e.g., a platform lock.