Automatic color composition detection for laundry washing machine
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manual load type selection in laundry washing machines can lead to suboptimal performance due to user inattentiveness or lack of understanding, necessitating a method to optimize wash cycles and reduce user burden.
Innovation Solution
A laundry washing machine equipped with a color detection sensor and weight sensor that automates the selection of wash cycle parameters based on the color composition and weight of items, potentially including stain detection and recommendation for stain removal tools, to configure optimal wash settings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual load type selection is provided, then user control over wash settings is improved, but user burden and potential for suboptimal performance increase
Solution Approach 1:
The washing machine automatically detects load characteristics using sensors (weight, color, stain detection) and autonomously configures wash cycle parameters without requiring user input. The system serves itself by making intelligent decisions about wash settings based on detected load properties, eliminating the need for manual load type selection while maintaining optimal performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical selection (buttons, dials for load type) with automated sensing systems. Weight sensors, color detection sensors, and stain detection sensors substitute for user interaction, automatically determining load characteristics and translating them into appropriate wash cycle parameters through electronic control.
2Reliability
If automated parameter selection is implemented, then wash performance is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The washing machine integrates multiple sensing functions (weight measurement, color detection, stain identification) into a single automated control system. The controller serves multiple purposes: receiving sensor inputs, analyzing load characteristics, and determining wash cycle parameters. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate systems while improving reliability through comprehensive load analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors load characteristics through sensors and uses this feedback to automatically adjust wash cycle parameters. The controller receives real-time data from weight and color sensors, analyzes the information, and configures appropriate wash settings, creating a closed-loop control system that adapts to actual load conditions rather than relying on fixed user selections.
3Measurement precision
If color detection sensor is added, then load type identification accuracy is improved, but energy and water consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The color detection sensor and other sensors perform load analysis before the wash cycle begins, during the loading phase. By detecting load characteristics in advance and pre-configuring wash parameters, the system avoids the need for extended trial-and-error washing or multiple wash cycles, thereby reducing overall energy and water consumption despite the additional sensing operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses color detection to identify load type and automatically adjusts wash cycle parameters (temperature, water level, cycle duration, agitation intensity) based on detected characteristics. By optimizing these parameters according to actual load composition rather than using fixed high-consumption settings, the system recovers the energy spent on sensing through significant reductions in wash cycle resource consumption.
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
Automated selection of wash cycle parameters improves performance by accurately matching wash settings to the load type, reducing energy and water consumption, and enhancing user experience by minimizing manual input and optimizing stain removal.
Implementation Method 1
a color detection sensor disposed proximate an opening of the wash tub and configured to capture color composition data of one or more items added to the wash tub
Implementation Method 2
a weight sensor operatively coupled to the wash tub and configured to detect a weight of one or more items in the wash tub
Data Source
AI summary
A laundry washing machine and method automate the selection of one or more parameters of a wash cycle of a laundry washing machine based in part on a color detection sensor disposed proximate an opening of the wash tub and configured to capture color composition data of one or more items added to the wash tub and a weight sensor operatively coupled to the wash tub, where the weight sensor is configured to detect the addition of an item among the one or more items to the wash tub and initiate capturing of the color composition data, and a controller is configured to configure one or more parameters for a wash cycle based upon the captured color composition data.