Laundry care appliance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Laundry care appliances, such as washing machines, often operate with fixed programs independent of their operating state, leading to increased energy and water consumption due to inefficient temperature management.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a temperature sensor and control device that adjusts program parameters based on detected temperature thresholds, allowing for dynamic changes in laundry care programs, such as heating power and duration, to optimize energy and water usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a fixed, predetermined laundry care program is used, then the program can be simple to implement and operate, but energy consumption and water consumption increase due to inability to adapt to temperature conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from a fixed, predetermined laundry care program to a dynamic program that can be adjusted during operation. The control device modifies program parameters (such as heating power, washing time, or water intake) based on real-time temperature sensor feedback, allowing the system to adapt its behavior to actual thermal conditions rather than following a rigid preset sequence.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback through a temperature sensor that continuously monitors the thermal state of the laundry or water and provides this information to the control device. This closed-loop feedback mechanism enables the control device to compare actual temperature conditions with target conditions and adjust program parameters accordingly, optimizing energy and water consumption based on real-time measurements.
2Loss of energy
If program parameters are adjusted dynamically based on temperature detection, then energy and water consumption are reduced, but device complexity increases due to additional sensors and control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by enabling the laundry care appliance to automatically monitor its own thermal state through integrated temperature sensors and autonomously adjust its program parameters without user intervention. The control device performs real-time decision-making based on sensor feedback, allowing the system to self-optimize its energy and water usage throughout the washing cycle.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements universality by designing the control device to perform multiple functions: it manages the washing program execution, processes temperature sensor data, determines optimal program parameter adjustments, and controls various appliance components (heating element, water inlet, drum rotation). This multi-functional approach consolidates control logic into a single intelligent unit, reducing overall system complexity despite the added adaptability.
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 approach reduces energy and water consumption by adapting the laundry care program in real-time based on temperature conditions, enhancing the appliance's efficiency and user experience.
Implementation Method 1
a temperature sensor (207) for detecting a temperature value of a liquid (205) held in the suds container (203)
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a laundry care appliance (100) for carrying out a laundry care program, having a memory (211) in which a program parameter of the laundry care program is pre-stored, a suds container (203) and a temperature sensor (207) for detecting a temperature value of a 203) received liquid (205), characterized in that the laundry care appliance (100) further comprises a control device (213) which is designed to determine an updated program parameter when the detected temperature value reaches a temperature threshold value and the pre-stored program parameter by the updated program parameter to change the laundry care program.