Determining an Imbalance of a Component Rotating About an Axis of Rotation

Simple SummaryContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

This patent describes a method and apparatus for detecting and managing imbalances in objects with components that rotate about an axis—especially in machines like washing machines. The system utilizes a set of sensors to continuously measure vibrations, electric motor current, and rotational speed. These measurements are then processed by a control unit using trained correlation data (including machine learning models) to not only detect but also predict future imbalances. The device can respond by adjusting the rotation process to minimize or control the negative effects of imbalance.

Use CasesContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Washing machines and laundry treatment appliances to monitor and remedy drum imbalance during spin cycles.
• Industrial centrifuges or mixers where rotating component balance is critical.
• Rotating machinery maintenance and monitoring in manufacturing plants.
• Predictive health monitoring for equipment with rotating parts, like fans, turbines, or compressors.
• Automated diagnostics for home appliances to improve performance and safety.

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• More accurate and early detection of imbalance, reducing unnecessary shutdowns and improving appliance lifetime.
• Minimizes vibrations, leading to quieter operation and less wear on machine parts.
• Prevents excessive stress on critical components, such as bearings, thus extending service intervals.
• Reduces energy usage by avoiding redundant spin cycle restarts.
• Can be implemented with minimal hardware and computational requirements, thus cost-effective.
• Allows future imbalances to be predicted and proactively addressed, increasing process reliability.
• Provides flexibility in machine design, as detailed sensor placement is not critical.
• Improves user experience through faster wash cycles, less noise, and lower risk of machine failure.

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Patent Abstract

A method and apparatus for determining an imbalance of an object that vibrationally hangs and has a rotating component that is driven in rotation by an electric motor. The sensor continuously records operation data of the rotating part and supplies the operation data to a control device connected with the sensor so as to control the rotating part according to the operation data. The control device determines an imbalance from the operating data. The sensor includes a vibration sensor configured to the object to measure vibration in a plurality of mutually orthogonal dimensions, a current sensor to measure a current flowing through the electric motor, and a rotational speed sensor to measure a rotational speed of the electric motor. The operating data is supplied to a correlation unit associated with the control device, in which correlation unit a learned correlation between the imbalance and the operating data is stored as a function of the training data, by means of which correlation unit the imbalance is determined from the operating data, the training data is measured as operating data for the object under a predetermined imbalance. The method is particularly useful for controlling a dewatering process in a laundry treatment machine.