Washing machine

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional washing machines with solenoid-operated clutches for adjusting the coupler configuration face issues such as continuous power requirements, heat generation, power consumption, and excessive friction noise due to rapid coupler movement, leading to structural complexity and potential damage.

Innovation Solution

A washing machine design that allows the coupler to move downward by gravity without continuous power, with a solenoid module and controller managing the coupler's position using pulse and continuous current signals to control speed and reduce friction noise, and a coupler guide that fixes or rotates the coupler to minimize movement-related noise.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If continuous power is applied to the solenoid to keep the coupler in the higher position, then the coupler configuration can be maintained, but heat generation and power consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoupler position stabilityVSAvoidsolenoid power consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The solenoid operates in periodic cycles rather than continuously. The controller applies power intermittently to move the coupler between positions, then cuts power to allow gravity to return the coupler to the lower position. This periodic operation maintains coupler configuration stability while dramatically reducing power consumption and heat generation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses gravity as a counterforce to the solenoid's lifting action. When the solenoid releases the coupler, gravity naturally pulls it downward to the lower position without requiring additional mechanical components or continuous energy input, thereby reducing power consumption while maintaining position stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #8Anti-weight (Counterweight)

2Speed

If the coupler moves rapidly during position adjustment, then the response time is improved, but friction noise increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoupler movement speedVSAvoidfriction noise

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The solenoid operates in periodic cycles rather than continuously. The controller applies power intermittently to move the coupler between positions, then cuts power to allow gravity to return the coupler to the lower position. This periodic operation maintains coupler configuration stability while dramatically reducing power consumption and heat generation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from static continuous holding to dynamic periodic actuation. The coupler is actively moved only when position change is needed, then passively returns via gravity. This dynamic approach reduces friction noise during movement while maintaining operational responsiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Use of energy by moving object

If the coupler is allowed to move freely under gravity when the solenoid is off, then power consumption is reduced, but the coupler cannot be restrained in position

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesolenoid power consumptionVSAvoidcoupler position stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The solenoid operates in periodic cycles rather than continuously. The controller applies power intermittently to move the coupler between positions, then cuts power to allow gravity to return the coupler to the lower position. This periodic operation maintains coupler configuration stability while dramatically reducing power consumption and heat generation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses gravity as a self-service mechanism to return the coupler to its lower position without requiring continuous solenoid activation or additional mechanical restraining components. The coupler serves itself by utilizing gravitational force for position adjustment, reducing power consumption while maintaining position stability through controlled periodic operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 reduces power consumption, minimizes frictional noise, and prevents solenoid-related issues by allowing the coupler to be fixed in position without continuous solenoid operation, enhancing the structural simplicity and operational efficiency of the washing machine.

Implementation Method 1

a solenoid module that moves a coupler in the first or second position upward by applying an electric current to a coil

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic force: Lorentz Force

Implementation Method 2

The coupler moves downward by gravity if there is no force applied to it

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGravity: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentUS11708655B2Washing machine

Publication Date: 2023.07.25 LG ELECTRONICS INC

AI summary

A washing machine includes a dewatering shaft for rotating a washing tub, a drive shaft for rotating a pulsator in the washing tub, a coupler that is configured to move up and down along the dewatering shaft, a solenoid module that moves the coupler upward, a coupler guide configured to be rotated by contact with the coupler when the coupler moves upward, and to maintain a position of the coupler or guide the coupler to another position when the coupler moves downward, and a controller that controls operation of the solenoid module based on applying one or more pulse signals to the solenoid module.