Dual-Device Laundry Control to Prevent Overcurrent Interruption

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Solution Overview

Problem

Laundry treatment apparatuses with multiple devices, such as washers and dryers, face the challenge of simultaneous operation interruption due to overcurrent, leading to inconvenient operation and incomplete laundry cycles.

Innovation Solution

A control method that adjusts the power supply to laundry treatment devices based on predetermined reference current amounts and cycle times, allowing for the continuation of operations by switching between cycles and managing current usage to prevent overcurrent interruptions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If multiple laundry treatment devices are operated simultaneously, then productivity and user convenience are improved, but overcurrent interruptions occur causing operation instability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelaundry treatment throughputVSAvoidoperation continuity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The control method performs preliminary detection of the operation status and current consumption of each laundry treatment device before simultaneous operation begins. The controller identifies which devices are in high-current consumption states (heating, drying, washing) and uses this advance information to determine the optimal start sequence, preventing overcurrent interruptions before they occur.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The control method dynamically adjusts the operation sequence based on real-time detection of device states and current consumption patterns. Rather than using a fixed sequence, the system adapts the start timing of each device according to the actual operational conditions detected at each moment, optimizing both productivity and reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If simultaneous operation of multiple devices is allowed, then ease of operation is improved, but overcurrent causes interruption of laundry cycles

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser convenienceVSAvoidcycle completion
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The control method enables the system to automatically manage its own operation sequencing without requiring user intervention. The controller autonomously detects device states, determines appropriate start sequences, and executes the control logic, freeing users from the burden of manually coordinating device operations while ensuring cycle completion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The control method continuously monitors the operation status and current consumption of each device, using this feedback information to adjust the timing and sequence of device startup. This closed-loop control ensures that devices are started at optimal moments to avoid overcurrent conditions while maintaining ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP3262227B1Control method of laundry treatment apparatus
Publication Date: 2020.10.21 LG ELECTRONICS INC
  • EP3262227B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3262227B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3262227B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A control method of a laundry treatment apparatus that includes a first treatment device that has a first load unit and that is configured to treat laundry and a second treatment device that has a second load unit and that is configured to treat laundry includes the action of executing a first cycle in the first treatment device by supplying electric power to the first load unit. The actions include executing a second cycle in the second treatment device by supplying electric power to the second load unit. The actions further include reducing power consumption by terminating the second cycle in the second treatment device and executing a third cycle in the second treatment device, the third cycle being different than the second cycle. The actions further include terminating the first cycle in the first treatment device. The actions further include terminating the third cycle in the second treatment device.