Laundry treatment apparatus and method of controlling the same

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional laundry treatment apparatuses are inefficient in handling small laundry loads, leading to increased washing time and energy consumption, and are not suitable for washing delicate items due to their large capacity, while also facing issues with bubble formation and foreign matter retention.

Innovation Solution

A method for controlling a laundry treatment apparatus that includes a sensor to detect bubble generation and a controller to manage washing, rinsing, and spin-drying cycles, using centrifugal force to remove foreign matter and reduce bubble formation by adjusting rotational speeds and water supply patterns.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a large-sized laundry treatment apparatus is used to wash small amounts of laundry, then the apparatus can handle various load sizes, but energy consumption and washing time increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to handle various laundry load sizesVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The laundry treatment apparatus is divided into two separate washing machines: a large-sized washing machine for general laundry and a small-sized washing machine for small amounts of laundry. This segmentation allows each machine to operate at optimal capacity, reducing energy consumption when washing small loads while maintaining the ability to handle various laundry sizes through the combined system

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If a large-sized laundry treatment apparatus is used to wash small amounts of laundry, then the apparatus can handle various load sizes, but washing time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to handle various laundry load sizesVSAvoidwashing time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the laundry treatment system into large and small washing machines, small laundry loads can be washed immediately in the small machine without waiting to accumulate enough laundry for the large machine, significantly reducing washing time while maintaining versatility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Area of stationary object

If the top loading type laundry treatment apparatus is provided on the front loading type laundry treatment apparatus, then space utilization improves, but user accessibility deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespace utilizationVSAvoiduser accessibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The small top-loading washing machine is designed with a reduced height specifically at the location where it is installed on the front-loading machine, creating a local modification that maintains overall compactness while ensuring the control panel and operation interface remain accessible to users

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

4Adaptability or versatility

If the top loading type laundry treatment apparatus is configured with small capacity, then it is suitable for small laundry loads, but foreign matter retention increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesuitability for small laundry loadsVSAvoidforeign matter retention

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The harmful effect of foreign matter retention on the door is eliminated by extracting the door from the water-filled environment. The door is configured to be positioned above the water level or in a separate compartment that does not fill with water during washing, preventing foreign matter generated in the tub from adhering to the door

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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 effectively reduces bubble formation and foreign matter retention, ensures efficient washing of small loads, and maintains washing force, thereby optimizing energy use and user satisfaction.

Implementation Method 1

rotating the drum in one direction such that wash water in the tub moves upward along the inner surface of the tub and reaches the center of the upper surface of the tub

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCentrifugal force: Centrifugal Force

Data Source

PatentEP3553221B1Laundry treatment apparatus and method of controlling the same

Publication Date: 2021.03.31 LG ELECTRONICS INC

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AI summary

A method for controlling a washing apparatus, wherein said laundry treatment apparatus includes a tub (120) for storing wash water, a drum (140) provided in the tub (120) for receiving laundry, an introduction port formed in the upper part of the tub (120) for allowing laundry to be introduced therethrough, and a door (116) for opening and closing the introduction port. The laundry treatment apparatus sequentially performs a washing cycle, a rinsing cycle, and a spin-drying cycle to wash the laundry. The method of controlling the laundry treatment apparatus includes determining whether bubbles have been generated in the tub within a period in which the washing cycle is performed while the drum is operated at a first rpm (a bubble determination step) and, upon determining at the bubble determination step that bubbles have been generated, operating the drum at a second rpm lower than the first rpm to perform the washing cycle (a first bubble reduction step).