Dual-Capacity Washer Control for Small-Load Heating Shock
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Solution Overview
Problem
Large-sized laundry treatment apparatuses are inefficient for washing small loads, leading to increased energy consumption, water usage, and longer washing times, and are not suitable for delicate items, while small-sized apparatuses face issues with agitation unit damage due to thermal shock and pressure changes during heating.
Innovation Solution
A dual-capacity laundry treatment apparatus with a top-loading second washing apparatus featuring an agitation unit and incremental water supply control, which intermittently heats and supplies water to mitigate thermal shock and pressure changes, ensuring efficient washing of small loads while protecting components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a large-sized laundry treatment apparatus is used, then washing capacity is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The laundry treatment apparatus is divided into two separate washing machines: a first washing machine for large-capacity washing and a second washing machine for small-capacity washing. This segmentation allows users to select the appropriate machine size for each load, avoiding energy waste from using a large machine for small loads while maintaining high washing capacity when needed.
2Productivity
If a large-sized laundry treatment apparatus is used, then washing capacity is improved, but washing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the laundry treatment system into two machines with different capacities, small loads can be washed quickly in the second washing machine, reducing washing time, while the first washing machine handles large loads that require longer cycles, optimizing overall time efficiency.
3Power
If water is heated rapidly in the second washing apparatus, then heating efficiency is improved, but thermal shock damage to agitation unit occurs
Solution Approach 1:
Before heating water rapidly in the second washing apparatus, a small amount of water is first supplied to cover the agitation unit. This preliminary action ensures the agitation unit is protected from thermal shock during subsequent rapid heating, as it is already surrounded by water that can absorb thermal stress.
Solution Approach 2:
The system supplies a preliminary small amount of water to cushion and protect the agitation unit before rapid heating begins. This beforehand cushioning prevents thermal shock damage by ensuring the agitation unit is immersed in water that can buffer temperature changes.
4Reliability
If incremental water supply control is implemented, then thermal shock prevention is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system implements preliminary action by first supplying a small amount of water before rapid heating, and then supplying additional water in incremental amounts during the heating process. This simple two-stage water supply control effectively prevents thermal shock without requiring complex control mechanisms.
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
The solution reduces energy consumption, optimizes washing time, and prevents damage to the agitation unit by gradually adjusting water temperature and pressure, making it suitable for both large and small laundry loads, including delicate items.
Implementation Method 1
a heater configured to heat water in the tub
Implementation Method 2
a water supply valve configured to control a flow through the water supply pipe
Data Source
AI summary
A laundry treatment apparatus includes a cabinet having first and second washing apparatuses that treat laundry introduced through a front opening and through a top opening, respectively. The second washing apparatus includes: a tub that holds water and has an opening at a top that is accessible through the second opening; a drum inside the tub that rotates about a vertical shaft; an agitation unit protruding upward from a center bottom surface of the drum that agitates water and laundry inside the rotating drum; a heater that heats water in the tub; a water supply valve controlling a flow of water into the tub; and at least one processor that controls the heater to heat a first amount of water in the tub to a first temperature; and controls the water supply valve to additionally supply, to the first amount of water, incremental amounts of water to into the tub.