Dual-Capacity Washing Machine With Incremental Water Heating Control
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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 adds water to mitigate thermal shock and pressure changes, ensuring efficient washing and reducing component damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a large-sized laundry treatment apparatus is used, then it can handle large loads, but it consumes more energy and water, and takes longer washing time for small loads
Solution Approach 1:
The laundry treatment apparatus is divided into two separate washing machines: a first washing machine for large loads and a second washing machine for small loads. This segmentation allows each machine to operate at optimal capacity, preventing energy waste from running a large machine with small laundry amounts.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically selects which washing machine to use based on the laundry amount. The controller determines whether to use the first or second washing machine according to the detected load size, enabling adaptive operation that optimizes energy consumption based on actual washing needs.
2Productivity
If water is rapidly supplied into the tub during heating, then washing efficiency is improved, but thermal shock and pressure changes damage the agitation unit
Solution Approach 1:
The water supply valve operates periodically by alternating between open and closed states. Water is supplied in intervals rather than continuously, allowing the system to balance washing efficiency with thermal shock prevention. The periodic opening and closing enables controlled water addition that maintains agitation unit temperature stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system preemptively controls water supply timing to prevent thermal shock before it occurs. By keeping the water supply valve closed during heater operation and only opening it after heating completes, the system cushions the agitation unit against sudden temperature changes that would cause thermal stress and damage.
3Quantity of substance
If the water supply valve is opened continuously, then water is rapidly supplied for efficient washing, but thermal shock damages the agitation unit
Solution Approach 1:
The water supply valve switches between open and closed states periodically rather than remaining continuously open. This periodic operation controls the water supply rate while preventing thermal shock by ensuring water is not introduced during the heating phase when thermal stress would occur.
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 dual-capacity apparatus reduces energy consumption, optimizes washing time, and protects components by gradually adjusting water temperature and pressure, making it suitable for both large and small loads, including delicate items.
Implementation Method 1
controlling the heater to heat a first amount of water in the tub to a first temperature
Implementation Method 2
an agitation unit that protrudes upward from a center part of a bottom surface of the drum and that is configured to agitate water and laundry inside the drum
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.