Washing Machine Multi-Mode Drum Control for Stable Coupler Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Washing machines often experience unstable coupling between the coupler and motor, leading to abnormal values during the washing process, which affects the accuracy of laundry amount sensing and results in inefficient washing processes.
Innovation Solution
A washing machine with a controller that operates in multiple modes to ensure stable coupling, including a clutching mode for coupling compensation, a high-speed mode for improved coupling, and a laundry amount sensing mode, where the drum rotates at varying speeds to accurately sense the laundry amount.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the coupler is lowered to connect to the pulsator shaft, then the washing machine can perform washing operations, but the coupler may become unstably connected to the motor
Solution Approach 1:
The controller performs preliminary high-speed rotation of the drum before the washing operation to ensure the coupler is firmly connected to the motor. This preliminary action prevents unstable coupling during subsequent washing by establishing a secure connection in advance.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller applies preliminary anti-action by detecting unstable coupling conditions and automatically performing corrective high-speed rotation to prevent the coupling instability from affecting the washing operation. This counteracts potential coupling failures before they occur.
2Reliability
If the drum rotates at high speed, then the coupling between coupler and motor is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller implements periodic action by rotating the drum at high speed only for specific durations and intervals necessary to secure the coupler connection, rather than maintaining continuous high-speed rotation. This periodic high-speed operation achieves reliable coupling while minimizing unnecessary energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller changes operational parameters by adjusting drum rotation speed dynamically - using high speed only when needed for coupling stabilization and switching to lower speeds during normal washing operations. This parameter optimization balances coupling reliability with energy efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is an operating method of a washing machine, the operating method comprising operating a drum accommodating a laundry in a first mode of rotating the drum clockwise or counterclockwise at least once, operating the drum in a second mode of rotating the drum at a speed which is higher than a rotation speed in the first mode, and operating the drum in a third mode of accelerating the drum, maintaining a rotation speed of the drum, and decelerating the drum.