Clothes care apparatus and method for controlling the same
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Solution Overview
Problem
Scale formation on the water level sensor in steam care apparatuses leads to incorrect water level detection, causing the heater to overheat and potentially resulting in malfunction or fire.
Innovation Solution
A clothes care apparatus that includes a steam chamber, a water supply, a heater, a water level sensor capable of detecting two reference water levels, and a processor that controls the water supply and heater based on confirmed mode operation information from a previous steam mode, ensuring accurate water supply even with scale formation on the water level sensor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the water level sensor is used to detect water level in the steam chamber, then the heater operation can be controlled based on water level, but scale formation on the sensor leads to incorrect detection and heater overheating
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by storing mode operation information from previous steam modes and using it to predict water level status at the start of the current steam mode. The processor determines whether water should be present based on historical data before actual detection occurs, allowing preventive control against incorrect heater operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by comparing the water level detection signal from the scaled sensor with the expected mode operation information from previous cycles. When discrepancies are detected (e.g., sensor shows water present but historical data indicates should be empty), the system adjusts heater control accordingly, compensating for sensor inaccuracy through feedback from operational history.
2Productivity
If the steam device operates continuously with hard water, then steam generation function is maintained, but scale accumulates on the water level sensor increasing with use period
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service by using its own operational history to compensate for sensor degradation. The processor analyzes mode operation information from previous steam modes to determine the expected water state, allowing the system to self-correct for sensor inaccuracies without external intervention or sensor replacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters by adjusting heater control based on the discrepancy between sensor readings and expected operational state. When scale causes false water level detection, the processor modifies heating parameters according to the predicted correct water state from historical data, maintaining safe operation despite parameter drift in the sensor.
3Productivity
If the heater operates without accurate water level detection, then steam generation may continue, but the heater overheats causing malfunction or fire
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies preliminary anti-action by determining the expected water presence state before heater operation begins, based on mode operation information from previous steam modes. This preliminary determination prevents the heater from operating in unsafe conditions by anticipating the correct water state, countering the potential harmful effect of scale-induced sensor errors before they can cause overheating.
4Measurement precision
If the water level sensor is replaced to maintain detection accuracy, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity and maintenance cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates a virtual copy of accurate water level detection by using mode operation information from previous steam modes to predict the expected water state. Instead of relying on the physical sensor alone, the system copies the detection function through computational prediction, eliminating the need for sensor replacement while maintaining detection accuracy.
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
Prevents overheating and malfunction of the heater, ensures safe operation of the steam care apparatus, and reduces after-sales costs and user inconvenience by allowing continued operation without replacing the water level sensor.
Implementation Method 1
the water level sensor may output a water level detection signal due to an electrical conduction, even though the water level sensor has not come into contact with the water in the steam chamber
Implementation Method 2
a heater for heating the water stored in the steam chamber
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure relates to a clothes care apparatus and a method for controlling the same. The clothes care apparatus may obtain mode operation information of a previous steam mode stored in a memory, based on receiving a water level detection signal corresponding to a preset water level from a water level sensor at a start of a current steam mode, and control a water supply and a heater based on the obtained mode operation information of the previous steam mode.