Washing machine, and method for controlling the same
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing washing machines fail to effectively soak laundry at both the front and rear ends of the drum due to inconsistent water distribution, and lack optimal control over the intensity of the water stream, leading to inefficient washing performance.
Innovation Solution
A method for controlling a washing machine that involves accelerating and decelerating the circulation pump motor in synchronization with the washing motor to maintain a preset rotation speed, ensuring water is sprayed uniformly across the drum, with specific steps to adjust the pump motor's speed to reach different areas of the drum and repeat this process for optimal soaking and rinsing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the circulation pump rotates at a constant high speed (2500 rpm) to spray water at a high angle, then water reaches deep inside the drum, but laundry at the bottom cannot be effectively soaked
Solution Approach 1:
The circulation pump's rotation speed is dynamically adjusted based on the drum's rotation phase rather than maintaining a constant speed. The pump rotates at a first rotation speed when the drum rotates in a first direction and at a second rotation speed when the drum rotates in a second direction, allowing the water spray to effectively reach laundry at different positions including the bottom of the drum.
2Area of stationary object
If the circulation pump speed is increased to improve water distribution, then water reaches more areas, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pump operates at different rotation speeds depending on the drum's rotation direction, optimizing water distribution coverage while minimizing energy consumption. The control unit adjusts the pump speed to match the washing cycle requirements rather than maintaining high speed continuously.
Solution Approach 2:
The circulation pump operates in a periodic manner, alternating between different rotation speeds synchronized with the drum's bidirectional rotation. This periodic speed adjustment ensures comprehensive water distribution across different drum areas while reducing overall energy consumption compared to continuous high-speed operation.
3Speed
If the drum rotation speed is increased to improve washing agitation, then washing intensity increases, but water spray coverage becomes inconsistent
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit coordinates the circulation pump's rotation speed based on the drum's rotation state, creating a feedback mechanism that maintains stable water spray distribution. By adjusting the pump speed in response to drum rotation direction and phase, the system ensures uniform water and detergent distribution even during high-speed drum rotation.
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 method enhances washing performance by ensuring uniform soaking of laundry at both the front and rear ends of the drum, optimizing water stream intensity, and improving rinsing efficiency by uniformly distributing water and detergent.
Implementation Method 1
a point on an inner circumferential surface of the drum, which a water stream sprayed through the at least one nozzle reaches, moves from a rear end to a front end of the drum
Data Source
AI summary
A method of controlling a washing machine that includes a drum rotatably provided in a tub that receives water, at least one nozzle spraying water into the drum, a washing motor rotating the drum, and a circulation pump circulating water within the washing machine, the method including: controlling a rotation of the drum by operating the washing motor to rotate the drum at a first rotation speed in a first rotation direction, and to maintain a rotation of the drum at the first rotation speed in the first rotation direction so that laundry in the drum maintains contact with an inner circumferential surface of the drum; and controlling a pump speed of the circulation pump by operating a circulation pump motor in the circulation pump to accelerate and decelerate at least once while the washing motor rotates the drum at the first rotation speed in the first rotation direction.