Automatic Detergent Dosing After Laundry Saturation Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laundry washing machines with automatic detergent dosing systems fail to accurately control detergent dosage based on the amount of water conveyed into the tub, leading to inefficient cleaning.
Innovation Solution
A method where the detergent is introduced into the washing tub only after the laundry is saturated, with the quantity determined by the total amount of water used, considering factors like detergent type, water hardness, soil level, and fabric type, ensuring the correct dosage and improved cleaning efficacy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If detergent is dosed at the beginning of the washing cycle based on load amount, then the dosing process is simple and quick, but the detergent dosage is not accurately matched to the actual water amount, leading to inefficient cleaning
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a water amount detection device to measure the actual water conveyed into the tub, then feeds this information back to the control unit which adjusts the detergent dosage accordingly. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures the detergent dosage is precisely matched to the actual water amount, resolving the contradiction between simple dosing and accurate dosage.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary water amount detection before the detergent dosing operation. By measuring the water amount first and then calculating the required detergent dosage based on this measurement, the system ensures accurate dosing is prepared in advance, maintaining both efficiency and precision.
2Loss of time
If detergent is dosed before water saturation is confirmed, then the washing cycle starts faster, but detergent may not be properly distributed, causing stains or halos on laundry
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary water saturation detection before detergent dosing by measuring the water amount and confirming saturation is achieved. This preliminary action ensures the washing environment is ready to properly receive and distribute the detergent, preventing stains while minimizing delay through automated detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit continuously monitors water saturation status through detection device feedback and only proceeds with detergent dosing when saturation is confirmed. This feedback control prevents premature dosing that would cause stains, while the automated nature of the feedback loop minimizes the time delay.
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 approach ensures the correct dosage of detergent based on the total water amount, enhancing the cleaning effect and preventing detergent-related stains or halos on laundry.
Implementation Method 1
loading water into the washing tub; rotating the washing drum; monitoring the variation of the water level sensed by said device for determining when the laundry is saturated
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention concerns a method for washing laundry in a laundry washing machine comprising an automatic dosing device (58) which supplies detergent in a plurality of washing cycles. The method comprises a water loading phase through a sequence of partial loads of water into the washing tub (3) and a step of introducing a quantity of detergent into the washing tub (3) from the automatic dosing (58) device only after it has been determined that the laundry is saturated, or substantially saturated.