Washing machine for sensing tilt or vibration to the casing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Washing machines lack effective means to accurately sense and prevent operation in imbalanced states due to tilt or vibration, which can lead to damage and safety hazards.
Innovation Solution
A washing machine equipped with a state sensing unit that includes a switching conductive element, a contact electrode, and a guide electrode, utilizing MEMS technology to detect tilt or vibration of a predetermined angle or magnitude, triggering a signal processing unit to output a trigger signal and stop the operation when an imbalance is detected.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a washing machine operates without tilt or vibration sensing, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability and safety deteriorate due to inability to detect imbalanced states
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical tilt sensing mechanisms with a simpler electrical sensing system using a conductive element, contact electrode, and guide electrode that detects tilt through electrical contact changes, thereby improving reliability while minimizing added complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The washing machine's own casing serves as the mounting structure for the sensing elements, and the tilt detection utilizes the natural movement of conductive elements under gravitational influence without requiring external power or complex actuation systems
2Measurement precision
If conventional sensing methods are used, then the device complexity is low, but the measurement precision of tilt or vibration is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs MEMS (Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems) technology to replace conventional mechanical tilt sensors, achieving high measurement precision through micro-scale electrostatic or capacitive sensing elements that detect angular changes with greater accuracy while maintaining compact integration within the washing machine casing
Solution Approach 2:
The sensing system detects tilt by measuring changes in electrical parameters (such as capacitance or contact resistance) that occur when the conductive element moves relative to the contact and guide electrodes due to casing tilt, translating mechanical displacement into precise electrical signals
3Object-affected harmful factors
If no state sensing unit is installed, then the device complexity is low, but harmful factors increase due to damage from imbalanced operation
Solution Approach 1:
The state sensing unit proactively detects tilt or vibration conditions before they can cause damage to the washing machine components, enabling the control system to preemptively stop operation or adjust parameters to prevent harmful effects from occurring
Solution Approach 2:
The sensing unit provides continuous feedback about the washing machine's tilt and vibration state to the control system, which uses this information to make real-time adjustments or shutdown decisions, creating a closed-loop safety mechanism that prevents damage
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 enables accurate sensing of abnormal states, preventing damage and accidents by ensuring the washing machine stops operation when tilt or excessive vibration is detected, thus enhancing safety and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
a switching conductive element configured to move according to the tilt or the vibration
Data Source
AI summary
A washing machine is disclosed. The washing machine includes a casing, and a state sensing unit for sensing tilt of a predetermined angle or more of the casing or vibration of a predetermined magnitude or more applied to the casing. The state sensing unit includes a switching conductive element configured to move according to the tilt or the vibration, a contact electrode, and a guide electrode configured to guide movement of the switching conductive element and to be electrically connected to the contact electrode through the switching conductive element when the switching conductive element contacts the contact electrode.