Control method of a laundry machine
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Solution Overview
Problem
Laundry machines lack an effective control method to optimize drum rotation motions for improved washing performance, energy efficiency, and customer satisfaction, as existing methods often result in inefficient contaminant removal and increased noise/vibration.
Innovation Solution
A control method that diversifies drum driving motions by alternating rotation directions and speeds, applying sudden braking, and varying rotation angles to simulate hand-wash effects, including rolling, tumbling, striking, swinging, rubbing, and filtration motions, optimized for different laundry types and soil levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the drum rotates at a constant speed in a single direction, then the structure is simple and easy to control, but the washing performance is insufficient and contaminant removal is inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The drum rotation system transitions from static constant-speed single-direction rotation to dynamic multi-speed bidirectional rotation with variable acceleration and deceleration phases. The control method implements at least three different rotation speeds including a high-speed rotation phase and a low-speed rotation phase, with automatic direction reversal, creating dynamically varying mechanical forces that enhance contaminant removal effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The control method implements periodic alternation between clockwise and counter-clockwise rotation directions, with each direction containing sequential high-speed and low-speed phases. This periodic variation in rotation speed and direction creates repeating cycles of mechanical action that systematically work loose and remove contaminants from laundry items over time.
2Productivity
If the drum rotates at high speed continuously, then the washing action is strong, but noise and vibration increase
Solution Approach 1:
The control method implements periodic alternation between high-speed and low-speed rotation phases, and between clockwise and counter-clockwise directions. During high-speed phases, strong washing action removes contaminants, while low-speed phases reduce noise and vibration levels. This periodic cycling maintains effective contaminant removal while limiting exposure to harmful noise and vibration.
Solution Approach 2:
The control method alternates the direction of drum rotation between clockwise and counter-clockwise. By reversing the rotation direction, the patent creates varying mechanical forces that prevent the drum from consistently operating at high noise and vibration levels in one direction, while maintaining effective washing action through the alternation.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the drum rotates at low speed, then noise and vibration are reduced, but contaminant removal becomes inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The control method implements periodic alternation between low-speed phases (reducing noise and vibration) and high-speed phases (enhancing contaminant removal). The low-speed phases are interspersed with high-speed phases, ensuring that while noise and vibration are reduced during low-speed operation, the overall contaminant removal efficiency is maintained through the cumulative effect of repeated high-speed washing cycles.
4Productivity
If the drum changes rotation direction frequently, then washing effectiveness is improved through varied mechanical forces, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control method implements periodic direction changes between clockwise and counter-clockwise rotation, with each direction containing multiple high-speed and low-speed phases. By organizing direction changes in a structured periodic pattern rather than continuous random switching, the patent achieves varied mechanical forces for effective washing while minimizing unnecessary energy consumption from excessive direction reversals.
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
Enhances washing efficiency, reduces washing time, and minimizes noise and vibration, providing improved customer satisfaction through optimized mechanical forces and laundry distribution within the drum.
Implementation Method 1
friction between the laundry items, wash water and wash agents, and the interior of the drum, may facilitate contaminant removal from the laundry items
Implementation Method 2
applying a sudden braking to the drum when the rotation angle of the drum is 90 to 180
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3a~3a(g)
Figure 3b~3b(i3)
AI summary
A laundry machine and a control method thereof are provided in which laundering ability may be improved while also improving efficiency and noise/vibration. The laundry machine employs a plurality of drum motions by varying drum rotational speed, drum rotational direction, and drum starting and stopping point, to provide different motion of laundry items in the drum.