The XYO mechanical balancer reduces vibration by compensating for variable mass imbalance during the spin cycle of washing machines. Test results with a prototype XYO balancer demonstrate a significant impact on the performance of front and top loading washing machines. Additional benefits include:
Top-Loading Washing Machine
Vibration Decreased by 91%
Without XYO
With XYO
Note:
Without XYO
With XYO
During the spin cycle of all washing machines and extractors the mass imbalance caused by wet clothes can lead to violent vibration. Since excessive vibration can have negative impacts (e.g., increased energy consumption, noise emissions and mechanical wear) manufacturers have tried several techniques to reduce or eliminate vibration. Some examples of these techniques include: adding counterweights to reduce movement, implementing fuzzy logic systems to redistribute the load, using elaborate suspension systems. None of these techniques solve the vibration problem at its source. In fact, they increase the manufacturing and shipping costs of the product.
To determine the impact and benefits of implementing XYO technology in household washing machines, comparative testing was performed. The testing consisted of quantifying the performance of a stock machine to that of a system equipped with XYO. A sample XYO system for a top loading washing machine appears in Figure 7.
The main vibration concern in washing machines is the motion of the spin basket. Reducing the displacement of the spin basket leads to many advantages. The measurements presented here concentrate on quantifying the vibration of the spin basket and real world concerns such as noise and energy consumption. Values such as orbits, acceleration, energy consumption and noise were quantified on a stock machine and compared to a machine with the XYO balancer installed.
Mass Imbalance was applied to both types of machines by securing rubber weights of varying mass.
Orbits for the top loading washer presented were generated using a Bentley Nevada ADRE 3 measurement analysis system. The orbits were obtained by integrating the signal from a set of velocity transducers. The orbits for the front loading washer were obtained by mechanical trace.
Acceleration of the spin basket for both machines were recorded using a 50g (100mV/g) accelerometer.
Noise emissions were measured using a type 2 BEHA 93-20 Sound level meter inside a sound chamber.
Current was measured with a digital clamp multi-meter.
Rotational speed was measured by placing a piece of reflective tape on the rotor and rotation was detected by an optical pickup.
Vibration displacement is shown in Figure 9 using orbit plots and the results are further summarized in Figure 10. Vibration was significantly reduced (96%) when a prototype XYO balancer was fitted to the machine.
Without XYO
With XYO
Without XYO
With XYO
Without XYO
With XYO
Using XYO on a top-loading washing machine resulted in significant vibration reduction. The additional benefits are highlighted in Figures 12 to 15 and Tables 1 to 2 below. It should be noted that the 5kg counterweight was removed while testing with the prototype XYO balancer; it was no longer necessary for stabilizing the washing machine because of the capabilities of XYO. The weight reduction of the washing machine is an additional benefit of XYO that can lower manufacturing and shipping costs.
Without XYO
With XYO
Table 1. Summary of results for top-loading washing machine
Without XYO
With XYO
Table 2. Summary of results for top-loading washing machine
Note:
Noise transmission through a wooden floor was reduced by 90% with the XYO balancer; this significantly impacts noise emissions in residential living spaces.
Vibration displacement was recorded with orbit plots (Figure 16). Vibration was significantly reduced (93%) when the XYO balancer was fitted to the machine.
Without XYO
With XYO
The acceleration test results for the spin basket with 0.5 kg of mass imbalance is presented in Figure 17. Two 50g accelerometers were placed on the front and rear of the spin basket. XYO reduced the vibration by 81% at the front of the spin basket.
Without XYO
With XYO
Using XYO on a front-loading washing machine resulted in significant vibration reduction.The additional benefits are highlighted in Figures 18 to 21 and Tables 3 to 4 below. It should be noted that the 16kg counterweight was removed while testing with the XYO balancer; it was no longer necessary for stabilizing the washing machine because of the capabilities of the XYO balancer. The weight reduction of the washing machine is an additional benefit of XYO that can lower manufacturing and shipping costs.
Without XYO
With XYO
Table 3. Summary of results for front-loading washing machine
Without XYO
With XYO
Table 4. Summary of results for top-loading washing machine
Implementing the XYO technology in washing machines can provide manufacturers a significant competitive advantage. Some of the benefits of XYO include:
The XYO technology has been implemented very successfully in top-loading and front-loading washing machines, as well as industrial washer extractors. The results presented here are based on a prototype XYO balancer design and they can be improved further.
Perpetual Industries wants to work with a capable and innovative washing machine manufacturer to optimize and implement the XYO technology and provide a strong competitive advantage in the market.