Washing machine
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Solution Overview
Problem
Washing machines with induction motors face inefficiencies in start-up and operation due to constant pulley diameter ratios, leading to poor start-up characteristics and high power consumption, while frequency conversion systems are costly and generate noise and abnormal sounds due to added shafts and belt tension.
Innovation Solution
A washing machine design incorporating a transmission system with transformable pulley units and a rotation speed sensing part, including a cam mechanism and buffer member, allows for adjustable pulley diameter ratios and reduces noise by controlling motor direction during inertia rotation, eliminating the need for additional shafts and minimizing shaft length.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a transmission with added shafts is used to enable variable pulley diameter ratios, then motor efficiency is improved, but shaft breakage risk increases and noise is generated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the pulley units directly with the existing input and output shafts of the motor, eliminating the need for additional shafts. The driving side pulley unit is mounted on the motor output shaft, and the driven side pulley unit is mounted on the motor input shaft, integrating the transmission function into the existing shaft structure rather than adding separate shafts.
Solution Approach 2:
The pulley units are designed to perform multiple functions: they serve as both the transmission elements for variable diameter ratios and as the mounting interfaces for the driving belt. The pulley units integrate the functions of shaft extension, belt mounting, and diameter variation control into single components.
2Use of energy by moving object
If a transmission with added shafts is used to enable variable pulley diameter ratios, then motor efficiency is improved, but noise and abnormal sounds are generated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the pulley units directly with the existing input and output shafts of the motor, eliminating the need for additional shafts. The driving side pulley unit is mounted on the motor output shaft, and the driven side pulley unit is mounted on the motor input shaft, integrating the transmission function into the existing shaft structure rather than adding separate shafts.
3Device complexity
If a constant pulley diameter ratio is used, then device complexity is reduced, but start-up efficiency is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs transformable pulley units that can dynamically change their diameter ratio during operation. The driving side pulley unit and driven side pulley unit are designed with movable components that allow the effective diameter ratio to vary, enabling the transmission to adapt to different operational phases such as start-up and steady-state operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the pulley diameter ratio parameter dynamically during operation. By varying the diameter ratio according to operational requirements, the system optimizes motor efficiency during start-up by using a different ratio than during steady-state operation, thereby improving overall productivity without excessive complexity.
4Use of energy by moving object
If frequency conversion control is used to improve motor efficiency, then power consumption is reduced, but system cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the electrical frequency conversion control system with a mechanical transmission system. Instead of using complex electronic controllers and frequency converters to optimize motor performance, the invention uses a mechanically transformable pulley system with a driving belt to achieve variable transmission ratios, thereby reducing power consumption through mechanical means rather than electrical control.
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 addresses inefficiencies and noise issues by enabling rapid transition to high-rotation regions, reducing power consumption, and minimizing noise and abnormal sounds through adaptive gear ratios and controlled motor operation.
Implementation Method 1
a driving belt for transferring power between the driving side pulley unit and the driven side pulley unit
Implementation Method 2
a transformable driving side pulley unit disposed on the output shaft; a transformable driven side pulley unit disposed on the input shaft
Data Source
AI summary
A washing machine is provided. The washing machine includes an input shaft, configured to supply a rotary power to a rotation part for rotating washings; a motor, configured to rotate in a forward and backward direction and served as a power source of the rotation part; a transmission arranged between an output shaft of the motor and the input shaft of the rotation part. The transmission includes a transformable driving side pulley unit disposed on the output shaft; a transformable driven side pulley unit disposed on the input shaft; a driving belt for transferring power between the pulley unit. The driving side pulley unit/driven side pulley unit is directly installed on the output shaft/input shaft by locating each end of the output shaft/input shaft at a movable pulley and a fixed pulley respectively, so that the driving side pulley unit/driven side pulley unit rotates integrally with the output shaft/input shaft.