Device and method for controlling automatic opening and closing of upper cover of washing machine
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Solution Overview
Problem
Washing machine upper covers can pinch users and burn motors due to lack of protection during automatic opening and closing, especially when obstacles are present, leading to potential injury and motor damage.
Innovation Solution
A device and method using a controller and detector to monitor the motor's current and control the upper cover's movement, stopping or reversing it when an obstacle is detected, with an optional alarm to alert users, ensuring safe operation and preventing motor burnout.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If automatic opening and closing mode is used, then convenience is improved, but safety deteriorates due to risk of pinching users
Solution Approach 1:
The detector is positioned to detect obstacles before the upper cover closes onto them. The control unit receives detection signals and stops the motor before the harmful pinching action occurs, preventing injury in advance rather than reacting after damage happens.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses a detector to continuously monitor the closing path and provides feedback to the control unit. When an obstacle is detected, the control unit receives the signal and immediately stops the motor, creating a closed-loop safety system that responds to real-time conditions.
2Productivity
If automatic opening and closing mode is used, then productivity is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to motor burnout risk
Solution Approach 1:
The detector identifies obstacles before the motor encounters them during closing. The control unit stops the motor in advance, preventing the blocking condition that would cause excessive current and motor burnout, thereby protecting motor durability while maintaining automatic operation speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The detector provides continuous feedback about obstacles in the closing path. The control unit uses this feedback to stop the motor before blocking occurs, preventing the excessive current conditions that lead to motor burnout and ensuring reliable operation during high-speed automatic cycles.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If obstacle detection is added, then safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The detector serves multiple functions: it detects obstacles that could cause pinching and simultaneously detects obstacles that could block the motor. The same detection mechanism and control logic handle both safety concerns, reducing the need for separate systems and minimizing overall complexity while providing comprehensive protection.
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
Prevents user injury and motor damage by safely stopping the upper cover when obstacles are encountered, allowing for safe manual operation and reducing the risk of motor burnout during automatic cycles.
Implementation Method 1
the signal indicating the obstacle is a current signal of a coil in the motor during rotation of the motor
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are a device and a method for controlling automatic opening and closing of an upper cover of a washing machine. The device includes a controller and a detector. The controller is configured to control a motor to rotate to drive the upper cover to open, close or stop at a current position. The detector is connected to the controller and is configured to collect a signal indicating an obstacle between the upper cover and a tray or on one side of the upper cover facing away from the tray, and send the signal indicating the obstacle to the controller. When the existence of the obstacle between the upper cover and the tray or on the one side of the upper cover facing away from the tray is determined, the controller controls the upper cover to stop at the current position or return to an initial position.