Method and system for achieving a target cleaning performance with a household appliance

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for achieving target cleaning performance in household appliances are dependent on the brand and model of the appliance, leading to inconsistencies in cleaning results across different models.

Innovation Solution

A method that involves obtaining master and base models to establish relationships between configuration parameter values and achievable treatment performance, allowing for the identification of suitable and acceptable parameter values to achieve a target cleaning performance independently of the appliance brand or model.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If cleaning parameters are adjusted to achieve target performance, then cleaning performance improves, but device complexity increases due to multiple parameters to manage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecleaning performanceVSAvoidparameter management complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically determines optimal cleaning parameters by comparing appliance performance models, eliminating the need for users to manually adjust multiple parameters. The appliance self-configures its operation based on model comparisons between reference and actual appliances.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes physical parameters (temperature, time, dosage) based on mathematical model comparisons. By calculating parameter adjustments from model differences, the system achieves target performance while managing complexity through automated parameter determination.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If users manually set all parameters individually, then parameter precision improves, but ease of operation deteriorates due to lack of technical expertise required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveparameter setting precisionVSAvoiduser operation ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs automatic parameter determination through model comparison, replacing manual user configuration. Users simply select cleaning goals while the system handles all parameter calculations and optimizations based on appliance-specific models.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Mathematical models act as intermediaries between user cleaning goals and actual parameter settings. The models translate high-level cleaning objectives into specific parameter values, eliminating the need for users to understand complex parameter relationships.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If fixed parameter values are provided based on manufacturer assumptions, then ease of operation improves, but cleaning performance deteriorates due to lack of customization

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveparameter setting easeVSAvoidcleaning performance
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system transitions from static fixed parameters to dynamic parameter determination. Parameters are automatically adjusted based on real-time model comparisons between reference and actual appliances, adapting to each appliance's specific characteristics while maintaining ease of use.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses performance models as feedback mechanisms to automatically determine optimal parameters. By continuously comparing actual appliance models against reference models, the system self-corrects parameter settings to achieve target performance without user intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

4Ease of manufacture

If appliance hardware limitations are present, then manufacturing cost decreases, but cleaning performance deteriorates compared to higher-end models

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveappliance manufacturing costVSAvoidcleaning performance
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system compensates for hardware limitations by calculating parameter adjustments from model comparisons. By determining optimized parameters specific to each appliance's capabilities, lower-cost appliances can achieve performance parity with higher-end models through software-based parameter optimization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The system creates virtual copies of reference appliance models to compare and determine optimal parameters. By modeling and comparing appliance characteristics mathematically, the system enables parameter optimization that compensates for physical hardware differences between appliance tiers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Data Source

PatentEP4571435A1Method and system for achieving a target cleaning performance with a household appliance
Publication Date: 2025.06.18 HENKEL KGAA
  • EP4571435A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4571435A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4571435A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method and system for achieving a target treatment performance with a household appliance is provided. It comprises the steps of obtaining a master model and a base model. The former establishes a relationship between reference configuration parameter values and values of achievable treatment performance for a reference appliance; the reference configuration parameters comprise a parameter relating to a setting of the reference appliance, a parameter relating to items to be treated and a parameter relating to a treating agent. The base model is generated similarly for the user's appliance. Suitable reference configuration parameter values are obtained using the reference model. Acceptable configuration parameter values are obtained using the base model. The two sets are compared to determine recommended configuration parameter values.