Washing Machine Heater Control to Prevent Motor Overcurrent

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Solution Overview

Problem

Washing machines face the challenge of preventing overcurrent flow when the motor and heaters are driven simultaneously, leading to potential operational interruptions and reduced performance.

Innovation Solution

The washing machine controls the sub heater's operation based on the current value of the motor, cutting off power to the sub heater when the motor's current exceeds a predetermined reference value to prevent overcurrent and maintain optimal performance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the motor and heaters are driven simultaneously, then washing performance is improved, but overcurrent flows into the washing machine

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewashing performanceVSAvoidovercurrent

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the heater operation adjustable based on motor current conditions. The control unit dynamically determines whether to operate the heater by comparing motor current with a reference value, allowing the system to adapt between full heating performance and current-safe operation modes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the operational parameter of the heater based on motor current conditions. When motor current exceeds the reference value, the heater operation is restricted or stopped, effectively changing the heating parameter from full power to reduced or zero power to prevent overcurrent

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Object-affected harmful factors

If the sub heater is controlled based on motor current, then overcurrent is prevented, but heating capacity is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveovercurrent preventionVSAvoidheating capacity

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies partial action by operating only the main heater when motor current exceeds the reference value, rather than stopping all heating functions. This provides partial heating capacity that prevents overcurrent while maintaining some heating functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The control unit acts as an intermediary that mediates between the motor and heater operations. It monitors motor current and intelligently controls heater operation based on current conditions, finding a balance between preventing overcurrent and maintaining heating capacity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 effectively prevents overcurrents without reducing the motor's performance or requiring load reduction through drainage, enhancing washing efficiency and user satisfaction while minimizing environmental impact.

Implementation Method 1

a main heater (181) and a sub heater (182) for heating water in the tub

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectJoule heating: Joule Heating

Data Source

PatentEP3660196B1Washing machine and method of controlling the same

Publication Date: 2022.01.05 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

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AI summary

A washing machine including a tub (120) configured to store water; a drum (110) configured to be rotatable in the tub (120); a motor (140) configured to rotate the drum (110); heaters (180) configured to heat the water stored in the tub (120) and including a main heater (181) and the sub heater (182); and a controller (600) configured to control the heaters (180) to stop driving of the sub heater (182) when the current value of the motor (140) exceeds a predetermined reference current value during driving of the motor (140) and the heaters (180).