Control method of laundry treatment apparatus

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Solution Overview

Problem

Laundry treatment apparatuses with multiple devices face simultaneous operation interruptions due to overcurrent, leading to inconvenient restarts and incomplete cycles.

Innovation Solution

A control method that manages power distribution between two treatment devices by switching cycles based on current usage, ensuring one device operates at a lower current when combined usage exceeds a threshold, and adjusting cycles to prevent overcurrent interruptions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the washing machine operates at high speed during the draining process, then the draining efficiency is improved, but the washing machine moves or vibrates abnormally

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedraining efficiencyVSAvoidabnormal movement and vibration
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The control method applies preliminary anti-action by detecting the washing machine's position and speed before high-speed draining begins, then preemptively adjusting the motor's rotational speed to prevent abnormal movement and vibration from occurring in the first place. The controller limits motor speed based on detected position and speed parameters, creating a preventive control mechanism that stops the harmful effect before it manifests.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

2Loss of time

If the motor rotational speed is increased for high-speed draining, then the draining time is reduced, but the washing machine moves due to centrifugal force

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedraining timeVSAvoidmovement caused by centrifugal force
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The control method implements dynamics by continuously adjusting the motor's rotational speed based on real-time detection of the washing machine's position and movement state. Rather than maintaining a fixed high speed, the system dynamically modulates the motor speed to optimize draining efficiency while preventing movement caused by centrifugal force, adapting the operating parameters to the current state of the system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The control method employs feedback mechanisms by using sensors to detect the washing machine's position and speed during the draining process, then feeding this information back to the controller. The controller uses this feedback to adjust the motor's rotational speed in real-time, creating a closed-loop control system that balances draining efficiency with stability prevention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Device complexity

If the washing machine is allowed to move freely during operation, then the structural complexity is reduced, but the washing performance deteriorates due to abnormal vibration

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural complexityVSAvoidwashing performance
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The control method applies self-service by enabling the washing machine to self-regulate its position and vibration levels through automated detection and control. The system uses sensors to monitor its own state and automatically adjusts motor speed to prevent abnormal movement, eliminating the need for complex mechanical anti-vibration structures while maintaining washing performance through intelligent self-control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3262225B1Control method of laundry treatment apparatus
Publication Date: 2026.04.29 LG ELECTRONICS INC
  • EP3262225B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3262225B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3262225B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A control method of a laundry treatment apparatus that a first treatment device that has a first load unit and a second treatment device that has a second load unit includes the action of performing a first cycle in the first treatment device by supplying electric power to the first load unit. The actions further include performing 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 performing 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 and repeating the second cycle in the second treatment device.