Laundry Color Detection Control for Automatic Wash Cycle Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manual load type selection in laundry washing machines can lead to suboptimal performance due to user inattentiveness or lack of understanding, necessitating a method to optimize wash cycles and reduce user burden.
Innovation Solution
A laundry washing machine equipped with a color detection sensor and weight sensor that automates the selection of wash cycle parameters based on the color composition and weight of items, potentially including stain detection and recommendation for stain removal tools, to optimize wash cycles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual load type selection is provided, then user control over wash cycle parameters is improved, but user burden and potential for suboptimal performance increase
Solution Approach 1:
The washing machine automatically detects load characteristics using sensors (weight sensor, color detection sensor, stain detection sensor) and configures wash cycle parameters without user input. The system serves itself by autonomously identifying load type, weight, color composition, and stain presence to select optimal wash settings
Solution Approach 2:
Manual selection interfaces are replaced with automated sensing systems. The mechanical interaction of users selecting load types is substituted with electronic sensors that automatically detect and measure physical properties of the laundry load (weight, color, stains) to determine wash parameters
2Productivity
If automated color detection is implemented, then wash cycle optimization is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A single controller integrates multiple sensing functions (weight detection, color composition analysis, stain detection) and coordinates all wash cycle parameters (temperature, water amount, agitation, spin speed). This multi-functional approach consolidates complexity into one centralized system rather than distributing it across separate dedicated systems
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts wash cycle parameters (temperature, water amount, agitation duration, spin speed) based on real-time sensor data about load weight, color composition, and stain characteristics. The controller modifies operational parameters to optimize washing effectiveness for each specific load
3Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are added for automated detection, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple sensing functions are merged into a coordinated system where the weight sensor, color detection sensor, and stain detection sensor work together under single controller management. The sensors are integrated to provide complementary information about the load, with the controller synthesizing data from all sources to make comprehensive wash decisions
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 enhances wash cycle optimization by automatically configuring parameters such as temperature, water amount, agitation, and spin speed based on detected color composition and stains, improving performance and reducing user interaction complexity.
Implementation Method 1
a color detection sensor disposed proximate an opening of the wash tub and configured to capture color composition data of one or more items added to the wash tub
Implementation Method 2
a weight sensor operatively coupled to the wash tub and configured to detect an addition of an item among the one or more items to the wash tub
Data Source
AI summary
A laundry washing machine and method automate the selection of one or more parameters of a wash cycle of a laundry washing machine based in part on a color detection sensor disposed proximate an opening of the wash tub and configured to capture color composition data of one or more items added to the wash tub and a weight sensor operatively coupled to the wash tub, where the weight sensor is configured to detect the addition of an item among the one or more items to the wash tub and initiate capturing of the color composition data, and a controller is configured to configure one or more parameters for a wash cycle based upon the captured color composition data.