Home appliance and controlling method for the same

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing washing machines face challenges in effectively reducing vibrations during high-speed rotations, which lead to noise and mechanical degradation, and current damping devices are passive and mechanically connected, limiting their effectiveness and durability.

Innovation Solution

A motor control method using a vibration sensor to generate a control signal that adjusts the motor's operation, reducing vibrations without significant changes in RPM and minimizing mechanical configurations, by incorporating an inverter with switching elements and a controller that compensates for detected vibrations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If a passive damping device is mechanically connected to the inner tub to reduce vibration, then vibration reduction is achieved, but the manufacturing property deteriorates and durability is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovevibrationVSAvoiddurability

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical damping device with an electronic control system. The controller generates a compensation signal based on vibration detection and applies it to the motor control, eliminating the need for mechanical connection between the damping device and inner tub. This substitution of mechanical system with electronic control resolves the contradiction by reducing vibration through signal processing rather than physical intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a vibration sensor and controller as intermediaries between the inner tub and the motor. Instead of directly mechanically connecting the damping device to the inner tub, the system uses sensors to detect vibration and a controller to generate compensation signals that adjust motor operation. This intermediary approach reduces vibration while avoiding direct mechanical connection, thereby improving durability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If a passive damping device is used to reduce vibration regardless of rotational pattern, then vibration reduction is achieved, but the adaptability to different vibration conditions deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovevibrationVSAvoidadaptability to vibration conditions

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms the static, passive damping device into a dynamic, adaptive control system. The controller continuously monitors vibration conditions and adjusts the compensation signal in real-time based on the actual rotational pattern and vibration characteristics. This dynamic adjustment enables the system to adapt to different vibration conditions, loads, and rotational speeds, resolving the contradiction between vibration reduction and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where vibration is detected by sensors, processed by the controller, and used to generate compensation signals that are applied to motor control. This closed-loop feedback system continuously adjusts the vibration reduction based on actual conditions, enabling adaptability to different rotational patterns, loads, and vibration characteristics while maintaining effective vibration reduction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Object-affected harmful factors

If the motor control signal is significantly changed to reduce vibration, then vibration reduction is achieved, but the operational performance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovevibrationVSAvoidoperational performance

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies partial action by generating compensation signals that specifically target vibration reduction components of the motor control signal, rather than significantly changing the entire operational signal. The controller superimposes the compensation signal on the original motor control signal, making only necessary adjustments to reduce vibration while preserving the primary operational performance and RPM characteristics.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

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 actively reduces vibrations during motor operation, maintaining existing operation patterns while minimizing mechanical changes, thus enhancing the durability and efficiency of washing machines.

Implementation Method 1

identifying an output value of a vibration sensor with the driving of the motor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVibration detection: Vibration

Implementation Method 2

an inverter with switching elements and configured to output an alternating power to a motor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic conversion: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS11876465B2Home appliance and controlling method for the same

Publication Date: 2024.01.16 LG ELECTRONICS INC

AI summary

A motor driving apparatus includes: an inverter that includes at least one switching element and that is configured to output alternating current power to a motor, a vibration sensor configured to detect vibrations, and a controller (i) comprising a compensation signal generator that is configured to, based on an output value of the vibration sensor, generate a compensation signal and (ii) configured to generate a control signal for controlling the inverter.