Garment Identifier Sensing for Real-Time Washing Status Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users face challenges in determining if garments have been adequately washed, leading to potential over-washing and energy wastage, as current washing machines lack effective means to assess washing status during cycles.
Innovation Solution
Integration of degradable magnetic identifiers on garments that degrade in response to water and temperature, triggering sensors in the washing machine to provide real-time washing status feedback through a controller and display, allowing for adjusted washing cycle parameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If washing machines lack effective means to assess washing status during cycles, then users cannot determine if garments have been adequately washed, but this leads to over-washing and energy wastage
Solution Approach 1:
A degradable identifier is attached to the garment before washing, which is configured to degrade during the washing cycle in response to exposure to water, solvents, or raised temperatures. This preliminary preparation enables the sensor to detect washing status in real-time without requiring complex additional washing procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor detects the degradation state of the identifier by measuring changes in electrical signal strength induced in an induction coil, and relays this information to the controller. The controller then provides real-time feedback to the user via display or communication interface, enabling users to determine when garments have been adequately washed and avoid over-washing and energy wastage.
2Loss of information
If degradable identifiers are attached to garments to enable washing status monitoring, then real-time feedback is provided, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The degradable identifier acts as an intermediary element between the garment and the sensor system. It translates the washing process effects (water exposure, temperature, solvents) into measurable changes in electrical signal strength, enabling indirect detection of washing status without requiring direct sensing of complex washing conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces complex mechanical or visual inspection methods with an electromagnetic sensing approach. The sensor uses electromagnetic induction to detect changes in the identifier's properties, converting physical/chemical degradation into electrical signal variations that can be easily processed by the controller.
3Reliability
If sensors and controllers are integrated into washing machines to detect identifier degradation, then washing status can be monitored, but manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system with induction coil and controller is designed to be multi-functional, serving both as a detection device for the degradable identifier and as part of the washing machine's existing control infrastructure. This universal design allows the same hardware to perform multiple functions, reducing the need for separate dedicated components and lowering manufacturing costs.
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
Enables users to accurately determine the washing status of garments, preventing over-washing and energy wastage by providing real-time feedback and allowing for optimized washing cycle control.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor constructed and arranged to obtain an indication of degradation of a degradable identifier of a garment during a washing cycle... changing a strength of an electrical signal the degradable identifier can induce in an induction coil of the sensor
Implementation Method 2
the degradable identifier is attached to the garment and is arranged to degrade during a washing cycle in response to exposure to one or more of: water; solvents; raised temperatures
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A
Figure 2B
AI summary
Washing machine (102) comprising a controller (504) and a sensor (110) constructed and arranged to obtain an indication of degradation of a degradable identifier (106) of a garment (104) during a washing cycle of the garment (104) in the washing machine (102), whereby the controller (504) is configured to use the indication of degradation received from the sensor (110) to generate an output to a user indicative of a washing status of the garment (104).