Laundry treating apparatus and control method for the same
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laundry treating apparatuses lack integrated control systems, leading to inefficiencies such as standby power consumption, the need for manual power supply and control between washing and drying machines, and the risk of overcurrent during simultaneous operation.
Innovation Solution
A control method that coordinates the operation of washing and drying machines by managing water supply, air heating, and current usage, including a low power mode to reduce energy consumption and prevent overcurrent, allowing one machine to control the other and optimizing energy use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the dryer and washing machine operate simultaneously with independent control systems, then each machine can function autonomously, but standby power consumption increases and manual power supply operations are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the control systems of the washing machine and dryer into a unified integrated control system. The controller manages both machines simultaneously, enabling automated coordination of operations, eliminating manual power supply steps, and reducing standby power consumption through centralized power management.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated controller serves multiple functions: it controls both the washing machine and dryer, manages power distribution between the two machines, coordinates operational sequences, and implements safety monitoring. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate control systems and reduces overall power consumption.
2Productivity
If the washing machine and dryer operate simultaneously, then productivity increases, but overcurrent risk occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated control system continuously monitors power consumption and current levels of both the washing machine and dryer. Based on real-time feedback, the controller dynamically adjusts power distribution, limits simultaneous high-power operations, and prevents overcurrent conditions while maintaining maximum productive utilization of both machines.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically manages power allocation between the washing machine and dryer based on operational demands. The controller can adjust power distribution in real-time, enabling simultaneous operation when safe and coordinating sequential operation when power limits are approached, thereby maintaining both productivity and reliability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If separate control circuits are used for the dryer and washing machine, then each machine operates independently, but coordinated control between machines becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated control system maintains segmented control capabilities for the washing machine and dryer while providing unified coordination. Each machine retains its own operational parameters and control interfaces, but the master controller coordinates their interactions, enabling both independent flexibility and coordinated operation without excessive complexity.
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
Minimizes standby power consumption, enables seamless control between washing and drying cycles, and prevents overcurrent risks, enhancing operational efficiency and user convenience.
Implementation Method 1
a heat exchanger provided in the duct
Implementation Method 2
a heating unit heating water inside the tub
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A control method for a laundry treating apparatus (100) comprises a water supply step of supplying water to a tub (61) by controlling a water supply unit of a washing machine (L); a drying step of supplying the heated air to a drying drum (2) through a heat exchanger (47) of a dryer (T); a request step (S160) of transmitting a control signal requesting reduction of a current amount per hour supplied to the heat exchanger to the dryer by the washing machine; a low power mode execution step (S260) of lowering the current amount per hour supplied to the heat exchanger if a temperature of the air discharged from the drying drum or a temperature of a refrigerant heat-exchanged with the air by the heat exchanger is higher than a preset first reference temperature; a heating step of heating the water stored in the tub by operating the heating unit after the low power mode execution step is initiated; and a particle removal step (S143) of separating particles from laundry by rotating a washing drum provided inside the tub.