Dryer Cycle Time Estimation Using Washer Parameter Lookup Tables
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laundry systems lack effective methods to integrate and utilize washing machine cycle data for improved dryer performance, leading to inaccurate drying cycle time estimates and inefficient operation.
Innovation Solution
A dryer appliance with a controller that communicates with a washing machine to obtain operating parameters, selects a base drying cycle time from a lookup table based on these parameters, and calculates an initial cycle time estimate for accurate drying cycle initiation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If complex data tables or computationally intensive algorithms are used to store and process laundry parameters, then drying performance can be improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the complex relationship between laundry parameters and drying time into discrete, manageable categories. Parameters such as load size, fabric type, and wash cycle duration are divided into specific categories with corresponding drying time values stored in lookup tables. This segmentation transforms a complex continuous problem into a series of discrete lookup operations, improving drying performance while reducing computational complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces lookup tables as an intermediary between the washing machine parameters and the drying cycle control. Instead of directly computing drying time from raw parameters using complex algorithms, the system uses lookup tables that pre-store the relationships between parameter combinations and optimal drying times. This intermediary structure simplifies the control logic while maintaining accurate drying performance.
2Measurement precision
If more washer operating parameters are obtained and processed, then drying cycle time estimation accuracy is improved, but ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The drying system automatically obtains wash cycle parameters from the washing machine's controller without requiring manual user input. The dryer controller receives parameter data directly from the washer, such as load size, fabric type, and wash duration, and uses these parameters to determine the appropriate drying cycle time. This self-service approach maintains high measurement precision while eliminating the need for users to manually enter multiple parameters, thus preserving ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by having the dryer controller automatically receive and process wash cycle parameter information from the washing machine. This feedback loop allows the dryer to accurately estimate drying time based on actual wash parameters without requiring additional user input, thereby improving cycle time estimation accuracy while maintaining ease of operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A dryer appliance includes a cabinet; a drum rotatably mounted within the cabinet, the drum defining a chamber for receipt of articles for drying; and a controller provided within the cabinet and operably connected with the drum, the controller including a wireless communication module, wherein the controller is configured to perform a drying operation. The drying operation includes obtaining one or more washer operating parameters from a washing machine appliance pertaining to a washing cycle; selecting a base drying cycle time from a plurality of base drying cycle times, each base drying cycle time of the plurality of base drying cycle times corresponding to a different combination of obtained washer operating parameters; calculating an initial cycle time estimate using the selected base drying cycle time; and initiating a drying cycle according to the initial cycle time estimate, initiating the drying cycle comprising displaying the initial cycle time estimate.