Dual-Tub Laundry Apparatus with Bubble Detection and Sequence Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional large-sized laundry treatment apparatuses are inefficient for washing small loads, leading to increased energy consumption, water usage, and unsuitability for delicate items, while compact solutions face challenges in space utilization and bubble management.
Innovation Solution
A compact laundry treatment apparatus with a method to control and reduce bubbles by adjusting operational sequences, including altering rotational speeds and water supply patterns, and incorporating independent tub door operation to prevent bubble formation and improve washing efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering 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 increases and washing efficiency decreases
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 loads and delicate items. This segmentation allows each machine to operate at optimal capacity, reducing energy consumption when washing small amounts of laundry while maintaining the ability to handle various load sizes across the system.
2Use of energy by moving object
If a small-sized laundry treatment apparatus is installed to wash small loads, then energy consumption decreases, but space utilization becomes problematic
Solution Approach 1:
The small-sized washing machine is installed within the cabinet structure of the large-sized washing machine, utilizing the available vertical and horizontal space. The small washing machine is positioned in the upper portion of the cabinet, effectively nesting one appliance within another to minimize the footprint and maximize space utilization while maintaining separate operational capabilities.
3Area of stationary object
If the top loading type laundry treatment apparatus is placed on the front loading type apparatus, then space utilization improves, but accessibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The small-sized washing machine is specifically designed with a low installation height and a front-facing introduction port that is easily accessible from the front of the cabinet. This local optimization of the introduction port position ensures that users can easily load and unload small items without needing to reach high or access from the side, maintaining ease of operation despite the nested configuration.
4Device complexity
If a single large-capacity laundry treatment apparatus is used for all laundry types, then device complexity is reduced, but washing quality for delicate items deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The laundry treatment system is segmented into two specialized washing machines: a large-sized machine for general durable laundry and a small-sized machine specifically designed for delicate items, small loads, and items requiring gentler washing. Each machine has optimized drum sizes, washing courses, and operational characteristics suited to its intended use, ensuring high washing quality for different laundry types while maintaining manageable system complexity through clear functional differentiation.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of controlling a laundry treatment apparatus includes: determining whether bubbles have been generated in a tub of the laundry treatment apparatus in a state in which a second washing apparatus of the laundry treatment apparatus is operated based on a sequence of operations; and based on a determination that bubbles have been generated, reducing bubbles by (i) adding at least one first operation to the sequence of operations or (ii) replacing at least one second operation of the sequence of operations.