Washing Machine Planetary Gear Drive for Dual-Power Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional washing machines cannot independently drive a pulsator and a washing tub in opposite directions, limiting the ability to implement dual-power and create various water flow patterns, and they consume high power during starting and stopping operations.
Innovation Solution
A washing machine design featuring a planetary gear set that connects the inner and outer rotors to the pulsator and washing tub, allowing independent rotation and reducing power consumption by using an electromagnetic brake to manage rotational forces and RPM adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a planetary gear set is used to transmit rotational force from the inner rotor to the washing tub, then the starting current is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the planetary gear set with the existing rotor and shaft structure, merging the speed reduction function into the motor assembly itself. The sun gear is coupled to the inner rotor, planetary gears engage with the sun gear, and the carrier connects to the washing tub shaft, creating an integrated drive system that reduces starting current without requiring a separate transmission mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The planetary gear set acts as an intermediary mechanism between the inner rotor and the washing tub. It mediates the transmission of rotational force by reducing the speed and increasing the torque, allowing the motor to start with lower current while still providing sufficient force to move the loaded washing tub.
2Device complexity
If the pulsator and inner tub are constrained to rotate in identical direction, then the mechanical structure is simplified, but the adaptability to create various water flow patterns is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic control capabilities by allowing the pulsator and inner tub to rotate in opposite directions through the planetary gear mechanism. The system can selectively engage or disengage the planetary gears, enabling the pulsator to rotate independently in either direction while the inner tub rotates in the opposite direction, creating diverse water flow patterns for different washing needs.
3Ease of operation
If the inner rotor is stopped under load, then the stopping control is simplified, but the power consumption increases due to higher end current
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by releasing the electromagnetic brake before stopping the inner rotor. The control unit detects the rotor's rotation state and提前 releases the brake to allow the rotor to coast to a stop with minimal load, significantly reducing the end current and power consumption compared to stopping the rotor while it is still under full load.
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
Enables dual-power operation and reduces power consumption by lowering starting and end currents through efficient transmission of rotational forces and controlled RPM adjustments.
Implementation Method 1
a planetary gear set mounted between the inner rotor and the pulsator and between the outer rotor and the washing tub, to thus reduce a rotational force of the inner shaft
Implementation Method 2
the planetary gear set comprises: a ring gear that connects between the first outer shaft and the second outer shaft; a sun gear coupled to the first inner shaft; a planetary gear meshed with an outer surface of the sun gear and an inner surface of the ring gear
Implementation Method 3
when the inner rotor is stopped, an electromagnetic brake of the outer rotor is released
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a washing machine including: a washing tub connected with an outer rotor and an outer shaft; a pulsator connected with an inner rotor and an inner shaft; and a planetary gear set mounted between the inner rotor and the pulsator and between the outer rotor and the washing tub, to thus reduce a rotational force of the inner shaft, wherein the rotational force of the inner rotor is transmitted to the washing tub by the planetary gear set when a load is applied to the pulsator at the time of an initial start of the inner rotor, to thus lower a starting current and lower an end current at a time when the inner rotor is stopped, to thereby reduce power consumption.