Drum Washing Control Using High-Head Motion for Load-Adaptive Cleaning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional washing machines lack an effective method to improve washing ability while minimizing laundry damage, and existing drum-type machines rely on tumbling motions that may not optimize washing efficiency based on laundry load.

Innovation Solution

A washing method and machine that detect laundry load and perform a high head motion by braking the drum after the laundry is lifted over half its height, allowing for various drum motions based on load and water temperature, including cold water use, to enhance washing efficiency and reduce damage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If conventional tumbling motion is used in drum type washing machines, then the structure is simple and easy to operate, but the washing ability is insufficient and laundry damage cannot be reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoidwashing ability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The washing machine dynamically adjusts drum motion based on detected laundry amount. When laundry amount is within preset range, the system switches from conventional tumbling to high head motion, creating variable operational modes that optimize washing effectiveness while protecting laundry

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If high head motion is performed by braking the drum after lifting laundry over half drum height, then washing ability is improved and laundry damage is reduced, but energy consumption increases and overheating may occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewashing abilityVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates feedback control by detecting laundry amount and adjusting drum motion accordingly. High head motion is only activated when laundry amount is within preset range, preventing energy waste and overheating when laundry is overloaded or insufficient

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes operational parameters (drum motion type) based on detected conditions. By switching between tumbling motion and high head motion based on laundry amount, the system optimizes energy efficiency while maintaining washing effectiveness

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If various drum motions are performed according to laundry amount, then washing ability is improved and overload is prevented, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewashing abilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control system performs multiple functions using existing components: it detects laundry amount, determines appropriate motion type, controls drum operation, and prevents overload all through a single integrated control process, avoiding the need for separate specialized mechanisms

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 reduces laundry damage, prevents overload, allows for customizable drum motions, saves energy, and improves washing ability by combining different motions, suppressing overheating and optimizing energy use in cold water washing.

Implementation Method 1

dropping the laundry by braking the drum after the laundry is lifted over a half of the drum height by rotation of the drum

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGravity: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentEP2397596B1Washing machine
Publication Date: 2016.09.07 LG ELECTRONICS INC
  • EP2397596B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2397596B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2397596B1 patent drawingFigure 3(a)~3(e)

AI summary

A washing method and a washing machine, more specifically, to a washing method which improves a washing ability and a washing machine are disclosed. The washing method includes a laundry amount detecting step of detecting the amount of laundry loaded in a drum; and a high head motion step of dropping the laundry by braking the drum after the laundry is lifted over a half of the drum height by rotation of the drum, when the detected amount of the laundry is in a preset range.