Adaptive Washing Machine Agitation for Variable Water and Load Levels

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional washing machines face challenges in balancing low water and energy consumption with effective stain removal, as front-loading machines require longer cycles and increased energy for temperature heating, while top-loading machines use excessive water and may cause unnecessary friction.

Innovation Solution

A hybrid washing method that adapts to different washing conditions by varying agitation intensity based on laundry load, using a rotor position sensor to control the agitator or propeller, allowing for progressive agitation sequences that start vigorously and end gently, optimizing water and energy use while preventing mistreatment of garments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of substance

If front-loading washing machines use low water consumption, then water efficiency is improved, but washing cycle duration increases and energy consumption increases due to heating requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewater consumptionVSAvoidwashing cycle duration

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of substanceVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the agitation pattern variable throughout the washing cycle. The agitation intensity progresses from gentle to vigorous and then to gentle again, adapting to different stages of the washing process. This dynamic agitation pattern enables effective stain removal with reduced water and energy consumption, resolving the contradiction between low water usage and adequate washing performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements periodic action through its multi-stage agitation sequence. The agitation is applied in periodic bursts with varying intensities (gentle phase, vigorous phase, gentle phase) rather than continuously at constant intensity. This periodic variation in agitation intensity achieves effective washing with shorter cycle duration and lower energy consumption compared to conventional continuous agitation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

2Loss of substance

If front-loading washing machines use low water consumption, then water efficiency is improved, but energy consumption increases due to heating requirements for stain removal

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewater consumptionVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of substanceVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The dynamic agitation pattern that progresses from gentle to vigorous and back to gentle enables effective mechanical stain removal without requiring excessive water heating. By adapting agitation intensity to washing stages, the system achieves adequate washing performance with minimal thermal energy input, resolving the contradiction between low water consumption and energy efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces thermal energy (heating) with mechanical energy (agitation) for stain removal. Instead of relying on heated water to chemically break down stains, the system uses controlled mechanical agitation forces to physically remove stains, thereby reducing energy consumption while maintaining low water usage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If top-loading washing machines use vigorous agitation to remove stains, then washing effectiveness is improved, but water consumption increases and garment wear increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewashing effectivenessVSAvoidwater consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses dynamic agitation that adapts intensity to washing needs rather than applying constant vigorous agitation. The agitation progresses from gentle to vigorous only when necessary for stain removal, then returns to gentle for finishing. This selective application of vigorous agitation achieves effective washing with reduced water consumption compared to continuous vigorous agitation systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter of agitation intensity over time, transitioning between gentle and vigorous phases. This parameter variation enables the system to achieve effective stain removal only when necessary, rather than maintaining high water levels and vigorous agitation throughout the entire cycle, thereby reducing overall water consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

4Reliability

If top-loading washing machines use vigorous agitation to remove stains, then washing effectiveness is improved, but garment wear increases due to excessive friction

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewashing effectivenessVSAvoidgarment wear

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The dynamic agitation pattern that transitions between gentle and vigorous phases minimizes garment wear by applying vigorous agitation only when and where needed for stain removal. The gentle phases allow garments to rest from mechanical stress, reducing cumulative friction and wear while maintaining washing effectiveness through targeted vigorous agitation bursts.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The periodic alternation between gentle and vigorous agitation phases provides rest periods for garments between intensive washing bursts. This periodic action reduces continuous friction exposure, thereby minimizing garment wear while still achieving effective stain removal during the vigorous phases.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

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

This method achieves efficient stain removal with reduced water and energy consumption, ensuring thorough washing without excessive wear on garments by dynamically adjusting agitation patterns and water levels.

Implementation Method 1

using a rotor position sensor to control the agitator or propeller

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSensor detection:

Implementation Method 2

create strong water currents that pass the wash liquor between the fibers of the fabrics

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid flow through porous material:

Implementation Method 3

dehydration, rinse

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCentrifugal separation: Centrifugal Separation

Data Source

PatentUS20240328054A1Adaptative washing system for different water and/or load levels

Publication Date: 2024.10.03 CONTROLADORA MABE S A DE CV

AI summary

The present invention relates to the field of washing machines, in particular a domestic washing machine, keeping in mind that the objects to be washed are of different nature, manufacture, materials, geometry and volume, in addition to having different types and levels of dirt. Therefore, different types of washing patterns have been developed in order to wash them effectively, ensuring as little damage and wear as possible; the agitation sequence proposed by the washing method of the present invention is carried out progressively, both incrementally and decrementally, using progressive agitation blocks that comprise a sequence of agitation patterns, wherein according to the user's preferences, laundry load and water level inside the washing machine, the number of agitation blocks is determined, the type of agitation sequences to be used for each agitation block, a first initial agitation pattern, the changes in the variables of arc or paddle stroke length, spm, and agitation period, of the subsequent agitation patterns as well as the number of patterns to be used per progressive agitation block.