Washing Machine Temperature Control Through Calculated Fill Times
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing washing machine appliances face challenges in accurately controlling wash water temperature, which is critical for user perception, performance, and energy efficiency, often requiring costly temperature sensors and flow regulators.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that calculate hot and cold water fill times based on assumed temperatures and flow rates to achieve a desired wash water temperature, using a controller to actuate hot and cold water valves, eliminating the need for temperature sensors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If temperature sensors and flow regulators are used to control wash water temperature, then temperature control accuracy is improved, but appliance cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes temperature sensors and flow regulators from the system, extracting only the essential components (hot water valve, cold water valve, and controller) needed to achieve temperature control. The controller calculates fill times based on assumed temperatures and flow rates, eliminating the need for expensive sensing and regulation hardware while maintaining functional temperature control capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces expensive, durable components (temperature sensors and flow regulators) with a computational approach using assumed parameters. Instead of investing in costly hardware that provides continuous measurement and adjustment, the system uses calculated fill times based on predetermined assumptions, achieving acceptable temperature control at lower cost
2Measurement precision
If temperature sensors are installed to determine water temperature, then temperature measurement accuracy is improved, but appliance complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs temperature control calculations internally using the controller, which computes hot and cold water fill times based on assumed temperatures and flow rates. The controller acts autonomously to determine the mixing ratio without external sensors, making the system self-sufficient and reducing component complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the approach from measuring actual temperature parameters to using assumed temperature parameters in calculations. By transitioning from empirical measurement to computational estimation using predetermined values, the system reduces hardware complexity while maintaining functional capability
Data Source
AI summary
Washing machine appliances and methods for operating washing machine appliances are provided. A method includes calculating a hot water fill time and a cold water fill time based on an assumed hot water temperature, an assumed cold water temperature, an assumed hot water flow rate, an assumed cold water flow rate, and a desired wash water temperature. The method further includes actuating a hot water valve to flow hot water for the hot water fill time, and actuating a cold water valve to flow cold water for the cold water fill time.