Washing Machine Pump Speed Modulation for Even Detergent Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing washing machines do not effectively apply detergent water to laundry at the initial stage of washing, lacking a method to ensure even distribution and simultaneous application of chemical action and mechanical force for improved washing performance.
Innovation Solution
A control method for a washing machine that involves a tub, drum, pump, nozzle, and controller to manage water supply, drum rotation speed, and heating, where the pump's speed is changed to ensure detergent water is evenly applied, and heat and mechanical force are applied simultaneously to the laundry.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the pump operates at constant speed to circulate water, then the system is simple to control, but detergent water cannot be evenly applied to laundry at the initial stage of washing
Solution Approach 1:
The pump speed is dynamically adjusted during the washing process. The controller increases pump speed to a higher level when detergent water needs to be evenly distributed over the laundry, then reduces speed after even application is achieved. This dynamic speed adjustment enables even detergent distribution without requiring complex additional hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The pump operates in periodic cycles with alternating high and low speeds. During periods when even detergent application is needed, the pump operates at high speed; during other periods, it operates at low speed. This periodic speed variation ensures thorough detergent distribution while maintaining simple control system architecture.
2Productivity
If detergent water is applied quickly to reduce washing time, then productivity increases, but even distribution of detergent water cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The pump speed is dynamically varied to first rapidly apply detergent water at high speed, then maintain high speed briefly to ensure even distribution, and finally reduce speed. This dynamic speed profile achieves both quick washing and uniform detergent application by optimizing the timing and duration of high-speed operation.
3Reliability
If the drum rotates continuously to provide mechanical action, then washing effectiveness improves, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The drum rotation is implemented in periodic cycles rather than continuous operation. The drum rotates at high speed during periods when mechanical action is needed for washing effectiveness, then stops or rotates slowly during periods when chemical action from detergent water is sufficient. This periodic operation maintains washing effectiveness while reducing overall energy consumption.
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
The method ensures even detergent distribution, enhances washing power by combining chemical and mechanical actions, and improves washing performance by effectively pushing out dirt through controlled water flow.
Implementation Method 1
a pump having a pump motor and pressure-feeding water discharged from the tub
Implementation Method 2
a heater heating the water in the tub
Implementation Method 3
a nozzle spraying the water pressure-fed by the pump into the drum
Data Source
AI summary
A control method of a washing machine includes performing a first drum operation of supplying water by a first set amount together with a detergent into the tub and rotating the drum at a first drum rotation speed, while water is supplied, performing a pump speed-change operation of accelerating the pump from a first pump rotation speed to a second pump rotation speed and then decelerating to the first pump rotation speed at least once during the first drum operation and performing a second drum operation of operating a heater to heat the water in the tub in a state in which the first set amount of water is supplied into the tub, rotating the drum at a second drum rotation speed during the operation of the heater, and performing a pump constant-speed operation of operating the pump at a third pump rotation speed during the second drum operation.