Clothing treatment apparatus and method for controlling clothing treatment apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current laundry treating apparatuses cannot detect the laundry amount prior to initiating a cycle, leading to users being unable to control the execution time and lacking immediate information on estimated completion time, limiting their ability to adjust the cycle based on the laundry amount or situation.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus includes a control panel and controller that detect the laundry amount before the cycle begins, allowing for immediate display of estimated execution time and enabling users to change the cycle settings, with the ability to detect the amount upon power supply or door opening/closing, enabling pre-execution adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If the laundry amount detection is performed after the cycle starts, then the apparatus can operate continuously without interruption, but the user cannot control the execution time actively and cannot receive immediate information on laundry amount or estimated execution time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by detecting the laundry amount before the washing cycle starts. The controller measures the current value during drum rotation in the laundry loading phase, calculates the laundry amount, and displays the estimated execution time to the user before the cycle begins, allowing users to make informed decisions about cycle selection and laundry adjustment.
2Ease of operation
If the drum rotates continuously to detect laundry amount, then the detection can be performed at any time, but the detection time increases and delays the display of execution time information
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs laundry amount detection during the laundry loading phase before the washing cycle begins. The controller rotates the drum and measures current values during this preliminary period, calculates the laundry amount, and prepares the estimated execution time display before the user initiates the washing cycle, thus avoiding delays during actual operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-service by automatically detecting laundry amount and calculating execution time during the loading phase without requiring user intervention. The controller autonomously measures current values, processes the data to determine laundry amount, and displays information ready for user review before cycle start.
3Loss of information
If the laundry amount detection is performed after power supply and door closing, then the apparatus can provide information before cycle execution, but requires additional detection steps that increase complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the drum rotation mechanism for multiple purposes: both for laundry amount detection and for the actual washing operation. The same drive portion and drum structure serve dual functions, eliminating the need for separate detection mechanisms and reducing overall system complexity while still providing pre-cycle information.
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 solution allows for accurate and immediate detection of laundry amount, enabling users to adjust cycle settings, reducing waiting time, and optimizing detergent usage, while preventing delays and potential damage to clothes.
Implementation Method 1
a drive portion (9) for rotating the drum (30)
Implementation Method 2
detecting an amount of laundry by detecting a current value applied to the drive portion (9)
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to an apparatus for treating laundry and control method thereof to display an estimated time of a course or option before a command for executing the course or option of performing washing or drying is inputted.