Laundry Treating Chemistry Dispensing Based on Soil Level Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Laundry treating appliances often inefficiently dispense treating chemistries, such as detergents, due to fixed dispensing times and volumes, which can lead to uneven distribution and reduced effectiveness, as the amount of laundry and soil level are not considered during the treatment cycle.

Innovation Solution

A method and system where a laundry treating appliance determines the soil level and adjusts dispensing parameters like delivery rate, dilution rate, flow rate, and dispensing interval of the treating chemistry based on the determined soil level, using a controller and dispensing pump to optimize the dispensing process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a fixed predetermined dispensing time and volume is used for treating chemistry, then the dispensing system is simple to operate, but the distribution becomes uneven and effectiveness is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of operationVSAvoiddistribution uniformity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The dispensing system transitions from fixed predetermined parameters to dynamic adjustable parameters. The controller modifies dispensing time and volume based on detected laundry load characteristics, enabling the system to adapt to varying conditions while maintaining operational simplicity through automated control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes dispensing parameters (time, volume, rate) based on detected soil level and laundry characteristics. This allows optimization of chemistry distribution for different load types without requiring manual intervention, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and distribution precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If a fixed predetermined volume of treating chemistry is dispensed, then the dispensing process is simple and quick, but the effectiveness is reduced due to not considering the amount of laundry and soil level

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedispensing speedVSAvoidtreatment effectiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates sensors that detect laundry load characteristics and soil level, providing feedback to the controller. This feedback loop enables the controller to adjust dispensing parameters in real-time, ensuring effective treatment while maintaining efficient dispensing operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The dispensing volume and rate transition from fixed predetermined values to dynamic values that respond to detected laundry conditions. This allows the system to maintain high productivity while achieving reliable treatment effectiveness through adaptive parameter adjustment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If more treating chemistry is dispensed to ensure effectiveness for all laundry conditions, then treatment effectiveness is improved, but the loss of substance increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetreatment effectivenessVSAvoidchemistry consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The system adjusts dispensing parameters based on detected laundry characteristics and soil level, dispensing optimal amounts rather than fixed or excessive volumes. This reduces chemistry consumption while maintaining treatment effectiveness across varying laundry conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of dispensing excessive chemistry to cover all possible conditions, the system dispenses the precise partial amount needed for each specific load, optimizing chemistry usage effectiveness while minimizing waste.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

4Device complexity

If the dispensing system uses fixed timing, then the control system is simple, but the adaptability to different laundry loads is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol system complexityVSAvoidadaptability to laundry load

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses sensors to automatically detect laundry load characteristics and self-adjust dispensing parameters without requiring complex manual programming or user input. This maintains relatively simple control system architecture while achieving high adaptability to different laundry conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Sensor feedback provides information about laundry load characteristics to the controller, which automatically adjusts dispensing timing and volume. This feedback mechanism enables adaptability to varying loads without significantly increasing control system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS10837135B2Dispensing treating chemistry in a laundry treating appliance

Publication Date: 2020.11.17 WHIRLPOOL CORP

AI summary

An appliance and method of operating a laundry treating appliance having a treating chamber for receiving laundry for treatment and a dispensing system having a dispensing pump for dispensing a treating chemistry for use in treating the laundry, the method comprising determining a soil level of laundry in the treating chamber and determining a dispensing parameter based on the determined soil level.