Washing machine and method of controlling the same
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing washing machines with passive balancers face challenges in efficiently transmitting power to actively moving balancers due to the short duration of contact between transmitting and receiving coils during drum rotation, which can lead to insufficient power supply and safety concerns.
Innovation Solution
A washing machine with a transmission coil generating a wireless power signal, a transmission converter applying power at a driving frequency, and a transmission controller adjusting the frequency based on measured voltage to ensure sufficient power transmission to the balancing unit within a short period, while considering safety limits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If wireless power transmission is used to supply power to the actively moving balancer, then the balancer can move actively to reduce imbalance, but the transmission time is very short causing insufficient power supply
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by detecting the position of the balancer and predicting the optimal transmission timing before the balancer passes through the transmission coil. The controller pre-calculates the transmission start time based on balancer position, drum rotation speed, and coil position, ensuring power transmission begins at the most efficient moment rather than waiting for coincidence of positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies dynamics by continuously adjusting the transmission timing and duration based on real-time drum rotation speed and balancer position. The controller dynamically modifies the power transmission parameters (start time, duration) to match the changing rotational conditions, optimizing power transfer efficiency throughout the washing cycle.
2Power
If power is transmitted at high level to ensure sufficient power supply, then the balancer can move actively, but electronic components may be damaged due to overheating
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic action by transmitting power in multiple controlled pulses rather than continuous high-power transmission. The power transmission occurs periodically as the balancer passes through the transmission coil, with each pulse carefully timed and duration-controlled. This periodic approach delivers sufficient total energy while allowing cooling intervals between pulses, preventing overheating of electronic components.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback by continuously monitoring drum rotation speed and balancer position to adjust transmission parameters in real-time. The controller receives feedback about the current operational state and modifies the power transmission level, timing, and duration accordingly, ensuring optimal power delivery without exceeding safe thermal limits for the electronic components.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the transmission coil and receiving coil meet for a very short period, then wireless power transmission can be implemented, but sufficient power cannot be transmitted in that short time
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by detecting the balancer position and predicting the optimal transmission timing before the balancer enters the transmission coil's effective range. The controller pre-calculates when to start power transmission based on the balancer's current position, the drum's rotation speed, and the coil's location, ensuring power transmission begins at the most efficient moment rather than waiting for coincidence of positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies dynamics by continuously adjusting the transmission timing and duration based on real-time drum rotation speed and balancer position. The controller dynamically modifies the power transmission parameters (start time, duration) to match the changing rotational conditions, optimizing power transfer efficiency throughout the washing cycle.
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 efficient wireless power transmission to the balancing unit even during short contact times, preventing damage to electronic components and ensuring reliable operation without overheating.
Implementation Method 1
a transmission coil which is provided at a tub, and generates a wireless power signal to transmit power wirelessly to the balancing unit
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a washing machine, having an actively movable balancer, and method of controlling the same. The washing machine (100) according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a balancing unit (300) to move along a circumference of a drum t(124) to reduce imbalance due to an unbalanced distribution of the laundry; a transmission coil (240) provided at a tub (122) to generate a wireless power signal and transmit power wirelessly to the balancing unit (300); a transmission converter (230) to apply power at a driving frequency to the transmission coil (240); a voltage measurer (250) to measure a transmission voltage, which is a voltage of the transmission coil (240); and a transmission controller (220) to control the transmission converter (230) based on the transmission voltage measured by the voltage measurer (250), thereby transmitting sufficient power wirelessly to the balancing unit in a short period of time.