Washing machine and method for controlling washing machine
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Solution Overview
Problem
Washing machines generate vibration and noise due to the rotation of the drum, which are transmitted to the tub and cabinet, causing inconvenience to users, and existing dampers may not effectively reduce these issues without increasing production costs or impairing washing performance.
Innovation Solution
A damper system for washing machines that includes a cylinder, piston, friction member, elastic member, and pusher, where the elastic member is adjusted by a motor to control friction force based on the drum's rotation speed, reducing vibration and noise during transient states while minimizing energy loss in steady states.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a damper is installed to reduce vibration and noise, then vibration and noise are reduced, but production cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The damper system dynamically adjusts the friction force between the friction member and piston based on the washing machine's operational state. During high-vibration periods (washing cycle), the friction force is increased to maximize vibration reduction. During low-vibration periods (spinning cycle), the friction force is decreased to minimize energy loss and improve drying efficiency. This dynamic adjustment allows effective vibration control without continuously incurring high energy costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the friction coefficient parameter by adjusting the contact pressure between the friction member and piston. The elastic member (spring) provides variable friction force that changes with the operational phase. During washing, higher friction force is applied; during spinning, lower friction force is applied. This parameter change optimizes both vibration reduction and energy efficiency across different operational modes.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a damper is installed to reduce vibration and noise, then vibration and noise are reduced, but washing performance is impaired
Solution Approach 1:
The damper system dynamically adjusts the friction force between the friction member and piston based on the washing machine's operational state. During high-vibration periods (washing cycle), the friction force is increased to maximize vibration reduction. During low-vibration periods (spinning cycle), the friction force is decreased to minimize energy loss and improve drying efficiency. This dynamic adjustment allows effective vibration control without continuously incurring high energy costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies friction force periodically based on the washing cycle phases. The friction member contacts the piston during washing cycles when vibration is high, and separates or reduces contact during spinning cycles when vibration is low. This periodic action ensures vibration reduction is applied only when necessary, preserving washing performance during critical phases.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If friction force is increased to improve damping effect, then vibration reduction is enhanced, but energy loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The damper system dynamically adjusts the friction force between the friction member and piston based on the washing machine's operational state. During high-vibration periods (washing cycle), the friction force is increased to maximize vibration reduction. During low-vibration periods (spinning cycle), the friction force is decreased to minimize energy loss and improve drying efficiency. This dynamic adjustment allows effective vibration control without continuously incurring high energy costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the friction coefficient parameter by adjusting the contact pressure between the friction member and piston. The elastic member (spring) provides variable friction force that changes with the operational phase. During washing, higher friction force is applied; during spinning, lower friction force is applied. This parameter change optimizes both vibration reduction and energy efficiency across different operational modes.
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
The damper system efficiently reduces vibration and noise at a low production cost without impairing washing performance, by dynamically controlling friction force based on the drum's rotation speed, thus enhancing user experience and operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic member surrounding the friction member, and having an inner periphery that is reduced to apply an elastic force to the friction member
Implementation Method 2
The elastic member may include a torsion spring
Implementation Method 3
a friction member provided to cover at least a portion of an outer peripheral surface of the piston
Implementation Method 4
a pusher in contact with the elastic member, the pusher configured to space the elastic member from the cylinder to reduce the elastic force applied by the elastic member to the friction member
Data Source
AI summary
A washing machine and a method for controlling the washing machine are disclosed. The washing machine comprises: a case; a tub positioned inside the case; a drum rotatably provided in the tub; and a damper provided to reduce vibration between the case and the tub. The damper includes: a cylinder coupled to either the case or the tub; a piston movably inserted into the cylinder, which is coupled to the other of the case and the tub; a friction member encompassing a portion of the outer surface of the piston; an elastic member encompassing the friction member, and having a reduced inner periphery such that elastic force is applied to the friction member to be pressed toward the piston; and a pusher that spaces the elastic member from the cylinder to reduce the elastic force applied by the elastic member to the friction member.