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Mabe’s Continual Performance Improvement of Washing Machines with a Multi-Disciplinary Approach
Technology Category
- Analytics & Modeling - Digital Twin / Simulation
- Sensors - Infrared Sensors
Applicable Industries
- Equipment & Machinery
Applicable Functions
- Procurement
Use Cases
- Virtual Prototyping & Product Testing
- Virtual Reality
Services
- System Integration
- Testing & Certification
The Challenge
Mabe, a Mexico-based international appliance company, was faced with the challenge of improving the performance of their washing machines by simulating subsystem interactions. The company aimed to increase the capacity and spin speed of their washing machines while reducing the cost per cubic foot. They also sought to improve the energy and water factors of their machines and reduce the product development cycle time. Mabe had been using Altair technology since 2006 for structural analysis and impact and drop-testing simulations. However, they saw an opportunity for increased value from Altair’s multi-disciplinary approach and aimed to leverage the benefits derived from simulations of ever-increasing fidelity and scope.
About The Customer
Mabe is a Mexico-based international appliance company that was founded in 1946. The company designs, produces, and distributes a wide spectrum of home appliances such as washing machines, dryers, cooking ranges, refrigerators, air-conditioners, microwaves, etc. Mabe has been using Altair technology since 2006 to develop better products, faster. The company has been able to increase the capacity of their washing machines by 35%, and the spin speed by 24% while reducing the cost per cubic foot by 10%. They have also improved the energy factor by 24%, and the water factor by 52%, while reducing the product development cycle time by 25%.
The Solution
To meet the rising demands and evolving engineering requirements of vertical axis machines, Mabe began using Altair MotionSolve to simulate the motion dynamics of the washer drum, including the balance ring and the suspension system. An idealized motor model was used to define the various spin speeds of the washing machine during agitation and spin cycles. Mabe then removed this motor idealization and began using Altair Activate for detailed one-dimensional (1D) motor control modeling based on a block diagram approach and as an integration platform for multi-disciplinary system-level simulation through coupling to Altair MotionSolve. Mabe also started to model the motion dynamics related to springs in the suspension system. The company used modern system simulation technology like Altair Activate to simulate the washing machine basket spinning at idealized speeds regardless of the load weight, torque and power required from the motor.
Operational Impact
Quantitative Benefit
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