Washing Machine Tilt Detection and Voltage Control to Reduce Fall Risk
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Solution Overview
Problem
Washing machine appliances lack features to prevent tilting and falling, which can expose dangerous moving or electrified parts, posing risks to users and nearby appliances, and existing solutions do not address the safety concerns once a machine has fallen.
Innovation Solution
A washing machine appliance with a measurement device to monitor its angular position relative to a fixed axis, comparing it to predetermined thresholds, and adjusting the voltage to prevent the appliance from rotating or falling by reducing motor voltage if the threshold is exceeded.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the washing machine operates with high power motor voltage, then washing performance is improved, but the risk of injury or damage from falling increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control system where a measurement device (accelerometer or tilt sensor) continuously monitors the angular position of the washing machine cabinet. When the cabinet tilts beyond a predetermined threshold angle, the controller automatically reduces motor voltage to prevent further rotation and potential falling. This closed-loop feedback mechanism dynamically adjusts power based on real-time stability data, resolving the contradiction between maintaining high power for washing performance and reducing power to minimize safety risks.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts motor voltage based on the cabinet's angular position rather than maintaining a fixed voltage level. The controller modulates power delivery in real-time according to stability conditions, allowing the washing machine to operate at high power when stable and automatically reduce power when tilting is detected. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by making power levels conditional on safety status.
2Ease of operation
If the washing machine cabinet is allowed to rotate freely, then ease of operation is improved, but stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement device continuously monitors cabinet angular position and predicts potential falling before it occurs. When the cabinet approaches a critical tilt angle, the controller proactively reduces motor voltage to counteract the rotation tendency and prevent falling. This preliminary anti-action approach addresses instability by anticipating and preventing harmful rotation rather than reacting after the cabinet has already tilted significantly.
3Device complexity
If no angular position monitoring is implemented, then device complexity is reduced, but safety monitoring capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical safety mechanisms (such as physical locks, switches, or interlocks) with an electronic sensing and control system. A relatively simple accelerometer or tilt sensor provides angular position data that the controller processes to automatically adjust motor voltage. This electronic substitution achieves comprehensive safety monitoring with minimal added complexity, as the same controller that manages motor operation also handles safety monitoring, eliminating the need for separate mechanical safety systems.
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 solution effectively minimizes the risk of the washing machine falling and reduces the exposure of dangerous components, enhancing user and appliance safety by automatically adjusting the motor's operation based on the appliance's stability.
Implementation Method 1
measuring an angular position of the cabinet relative to a fixed axis
Implementation Method 2
The motor may be configured for selectively rotating the rotation element within the tub
Data Source
AI summary
A washing machine appliance, including methods of operation, is provided herein. The washing machine appliance may include a cabinet, a tub, and a rotation element mounted therein. The method may include flowing a volume of liquid into the tub; rotating the rotation element within the tub; measuring an angular position of the cabinet relative to a fixed axis after the flowing; comparing the measured angular position of the cabinet to a predetermined threshold; and adjusting a voltage within the washing machine appliance in response to the measured angular position exceeding the predetermined threshold.