Laundry treating apparatus and method of controlling the same
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional large-capacity washing machines are inefficient for washing small or delicate loads, leading to increased energy consumption and inconvenience due to their design, and there is a need for a method to control multiple washing tubs to optimize laundry processing.
Innovation Solution
A method for controlling a laundry treating apparatus with at least two washing tubs, where the operation of heaters and water supply are independently controlled to optimize energy use and washing efficiency, allowing for simultaneous operation of multiple tubs with different settings based on the type and amount of laundry.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a large-capacity washing machine is used to wash small amounts of laundry, then the washing machine can handle various load sizes, but the energy consumption increases and washing efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The washing machine is divided into two separate washing tubs: a large-capacity tub for general laundry and a small-capacity tub for delicate or small loads. Each tub has its own heater and control system, allowing independent operation. This segmentation enables the user to select the appropriate tub size for each washing task, avoiding energy waste from using a large tub for small loads while maintaining the versatility to handle various load sizes.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a large-capacity washing machine operates multiple times to wash different kinds of laundry independently, then various laundry can be washed separately, but the washing time and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The washing machine is divided into two separate washing tubs: a large-capacity tub for general laundry and a small-capacity tub for delicate or small loads. Each tub has its own heater and control system, allowing independent operation. This segmentation enables the user to select the appropriate tub size for each washing task, avoiding energy waste from using a large tub for small loads while maintaining the versatility to handle various load sizes.
Solution Approach 2:
Both washing tubs can operate simultaneously and independently, allowing different types of laundry to be washed at the same time. The control system manages both tubs continuously without interruption, eliminating the need to wait for one washing cycle to complete before starting another, thus reducing total washing time while maintaining the ability to separate different laundry types.
3Adaptability or versatility
If heaters in multiple washing tubs operate simultaneously, then each tub can be heated independently for optimal washing, but the energy consumption and safety risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
Both washing tubs can operate simultaneously and independently, allowing different types of laundry to be washed at the same time. The control system manages both tubs continuously without interruption, eliminating the need to wait for one washing cycle to complete before starting another, thus reducing total washing time while maintaining the ability to separate different laundry types.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system continuously monitors the operating status, temperature, and energy consumption of both washing tubs and their respective heaters. Based on this feedback, the controller dynamically adjusts heater operation to optimize energy usage and prevent overheating. The system can detect when one tub is already being heated and prevent simultaneous heater operation in the other tub, reducing energy consumption and safety risks while maintaining the flexibility to heat tubs independently when needed.
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
This approach enables efficient and safe operation of multiple washing tubs, allowing for simultaneous washing of different types of laundry, reducing energy consumption, and ensuring cleanliness by optimizing heater control and water usage.
Implementation Method 1
a first heating step for driving the first heater (190) to heat water supplied to the first washing tub (120)
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention discloses a method of controlling a laundry treating apparatus comprising inputting information on operation in order to operate a first laundry treating device and a second laundry treating device adjacent to the first laundry treating device. The first laundry treating device and the second laundry treating device are operated such that operation of a first heater provided at the first laundry treating device is initiated in a first heating step and operation of a second heater provided at the second laundry treating device is initiated in a second heating step after a predetermined time elapses while stopping the operation of the first heater, wherein the operation of the second heater is finished after water in the second laundry treating device is heated to a second predetermined temperature, or such that operation of a second heater provided at the second laundry treating device is initiated during operation of a first heater provided at the first laundry treating device while the operation of the first heater is continued without being stopped, wherein the operation of the first heater is stopped after a predetermined time elapses and subsequently, the operation of the second heater is finished after water in the second laundry treating device is heated to a second predetermined temperature.