Intelligent washing machine and control method thereof
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Washing machines experience over-vibration during the spin-drying process, leading to potential short-circuits due to the eccentric rotation of the inner tub, causing noise and physical shocks, which existing technologies have not effectively addressed.
Innovation Solution
An intelligent washing machine equipped with an image obtaining unit to classify laundry based on water content and predict vibration levels, adjusting the motor's RPM to prevent over-vibration and short-circuits by learning from previous events and adjusting the spin-drying process accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the inner tub rotates at high speed during spin-drying, then water removal efficiency is improved, but over-vibration and short-circuit risk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary image acquisition and AI-based vibration prediction before the spin-drying process begins. The controller predicts the degree of vibration based on laundry classification information obtained from images, and proactively adjusts motor RPM to prevent over-vibration and short-circuit risks before they occur during high-speed rotation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses AI learning to analyze the relationship between laundry characteristics (from images) and vibration patterns. The controller continuously monitors and adjusts motor RPM based on predicted vibration degrees, creating a closed-loop feedback system that maintains optimal rotation speed while preventing over-vibration during spin-drying.
2Reliability
If the motor RPM is reduced to prevent over-vibration, then short-circuit risk is lowered, but spin-drying efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts motor RPM based on real-time predictions of vibration degree. Instead of using a fixed low speed, the controller optimizes rotation speed for each specific laundry load by analyzing image data and predicting vibration characteristics, allowing high speed when safe and reduced speed only when necessary to prevent over-vibration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameter (motor RPM) based on predicted vibration degree. The controller selects appropriate rotation speeds from multiple possible values, adjusting the parameter dynamically according to the specific laundry characteristics and predicted vibration patterns, thereby optimizing both safety and efficiency.
3Reliability
If AI-based prediction and RPM adjustment are implemented, then over-vibration is prevented, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The washing machine's existing motor control system is enhanced to perform multiple functions: it continues to control spin-drying while simultaneously incorporating AI-based vibration prediction and adaptive RPM adjustment. The controller integrates image processing, AI learning, and motor control into a unified system, making the existing device multi-functional without requiring entirely separate systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The AI learning model acts as an intermediary between image acquisition and motor control. It processes laundry classification information from images and translates it into vibration predictions, which then guide RPM adjustments. This intermediary layer simplifies the overall system architecture by providing a clear decision-making bridge between sensing and actuation.
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
The solution effectively prevents over-vibration and short-circuits by dynamically adjusting the motor speed based on predicted vibration levels, enhancing the spin-drying efficiency and reducing noise and physical shocks.
Implementation Method 1
a spin-drying process of dewatering the laundry using a centrifugal force of the inner tub
Implementation Method 2
an image obtaining unit obtaining an image of the laundry placed in the inner tub
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is an intelligent washing machine includes: an inner tub in which laundry is placed; a motor transferring a rotational force to the inner tub; an image obtaining unit obtaining an image of the laundry placed in the inner tub after a washing process; and a controller obtaining a laundry classification information reflecting water content percentage information of the laundry from the image of the laundry, learning the laundry classification information to predict a degree of vibration of the inner tub that occurs in a spin-drying process, and varying a revolutions per minute (RPM) of the motor in the spin-drying process according to the predicted degree of vibration of the inner tub. The washing machine may be associated with an artificial intelligence (AI) module, an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) (or drone), a robot, an augmented reality (AR) device, a virtual reality (VR) device, and a device related to a 5G service.