Washing machine
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current washing machines face challenges in achieving a compact size, high washing capacity, low noise, and energy efficiency due to the complexity of direct and indirect drive methods, which require large motor sizes and mechanical structures that complicate torque and speed management.
Innovation Solution
A drive unit is designed with a motor and reducer/clutch integrated in a line perpendicular to the rotation axis, utilizing a planetary gear mechanism and a clutch with a movable portion for mode switching, allowing for efficient torque and speed adjustments without the need for separate output shafts, thus simplifying the structure and reducing noise.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a reducer and clutch are used in indirect drive type washing machines, then torque and speed control is improved, but device complexity and noise increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the motor, reducer, and clutch into a single integrated drive unit. The motor and clutch are positioned adjacently with shared components, eliminating the need for separate output shafts and reducing mechanical complexity while maintaining torque and speed control capabilities through the planetary gear mechanism and clutch assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated drive unit serves multiple functions: the motor provides rotational force, the planetary gear mechanism provides reduction and torque multiplication, and the clutch provides speed control and mode switching. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate components and simplifies the overall mechanical structure.
2Force
If motor size is increased to cope with rotational force requirements, then torque capability is improved, but device volume and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces a large single-speed motor with a smaller motor combined with a planetary gear reducer. The reducer mechanically multiplies torque, allowing a smaller motor to achieve the same torque output as a larger motor would provide directly, thereby reducing drive unit volume and weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The planetary gear mechanism changes the torque and speed parameters through mechanical reduction. By using gear ratios, the system transforms high-speed low-torque motor output into low-speed high-torque output, enabling compact motor design while meeting torque requirements.
3Measurement precision
If separate output shafts are used for different drive modes, then speed control precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a single output shaft that serves both washing and dehydration modes. The planetary gear mechanism and clutch assembly provide different gear ratios and speed control for different modes without requiring separate output shafts, simplifying the mechanical structure while maintaining speed control precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The clutch assembly can dynamically switch between different operational states (engaged/disengaged) to provide different speed ratios. This dynamic switching allows a single shaft system to achieve the speed control precision previously requiring multiple shafts, adapting to different drive mode requirements.
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 configuration enables a compact, high-capacity washing machine with reduced noise and energy consumption by allowing for efficient torque and speed management through a single shaft, optimizing motor efficiency and reducing the complexity of mechanical structures.
Implementation Method 1
a planetary gear mechanism
Implementation Method 2
a clutch configured to perform switching by sliding a slider by using an electromagnetic force
Data Source
AI summary
A washing machine and a driver (e.g., a drive unit) suitable for the washing machine are provided. The driver includes a motor to rotate a shaft supported by a unit base, and a reducer interposed between the shaft and the motor. The motor and the reducer are integrally formed to be aligned in a line along a direction perpendicular to a rotation axis.