Laundry Treatment Drum Speed Control to Reduce Bubble Generation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional laundry treatment apparatuses are inefficient in handling small laundry loads, leading to increased washing time and energy consumption, and are not suitable for washing delicate items due to their large capacity, while also facing issues with bubble generation and space utilization.
Innovation Solution
A method of controlling a laundry treatment apparatus that includes a bubble determination step during the washing cycle, reducing bubble generation by adjusting the drum's rotational speed, and using centrifugal force to wash the door and remove bubbles, thereby optimizing washing efficiency and space usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a large-sized laundry treatment apparatus is used to wash small amounts of laundry, then the apparatus can handle various laundry loads, but energy consumption and washing time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The laundry treatment apparatus is divided into two separate drums: a first drum for washing large amounts of laundry and a second drum for washing small amounts of laundry. This segmentation allows each drum to be optimized for its specific function, enabling the apparatus to handle various laundry loads efficiently without wasting energy on oversized operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit dynamically selects which drum to operate based on the detected laundry load size. When a small amount of laundry is detected, the control unit activates the second drum instead of the first drum, creating a dynamic adaptation that optimizes energy consumption based on actual washing needs.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a large-sized laundry treatment apparatus is used to wash small amounts of laundry, then the apparatus can accommodate various laundry types, but washing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus segments washing functions into two drums, allowing the second drum to be dedicated to small laundry loads. This enables shorter, optimized washing cycles for small items without compromising the ability to handle large loads in the first drum, thus reducing overall washing time for small items.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit dynamically adjusts the washing process by selecting the appropriate drum based on load size. For small loads, the second drum is activated with optimized washing parameters, dynamically reducing washing time compared to using the large first drum for small items.
3Area of stationary object
If the top loading type laundry treatment apparatus is provided on the front loading type apparatus, then space utilization improves, but user accessibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus segments the loading mechanism into two parts: a first introduction port at the front for the first drum, and a second introduction port at the top for the second drum. This segmentation allows users to access the second drum independently from the top without needing to open the front panel, maintaining ease of access while achieving compact space utilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The second introduction port is positioned in the vertical dimension (top loading) rather than the horizontal dimension (front loading). This dimensional change allows the second drum to be accessed from above, enabling compact vertical stacking while preserving user accessibility through top-opening design.
4Productivity
If the drum rotates at high speed to improve washing efficiency, then washing effectiveness increases, but bubble generation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit dynamically adjusts the rotational speed of the drum based on the washing phase and detected bubble levels. During phases where bubbles are generated, the rotational speed is optimized to minimize bubble formation while maintaining washing effectiveness, creating a dynamic balance between productivity and bubble reduction.
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus changes operational parameters including rotational speed, water supply amount, and drainage timing to control bubble generation. By adjusting these parameters dynamically during the washing cycle, the system maintains washing efficiency while reducing harmful bubble effects.
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 method effectively reduces bubble generation and energy consumption, ensures thorough washing of delicate items, and improves space utilization by efficiently handling small laundry loads while maintaining washing efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
rotating the drum in one direction such that the wash water in the tub moves upward along the inner circumferential surface of the tub and is introduced into the tub through the introduction port
Data Source
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AI summary
A laundry treatment apparatus and a method of controlling the same are disclosed. The laundry treatment apparatus includes a tub for storing wash water, a drum provided in the tub for receiving laundry, an introduction port formed in the upper part of the tub for allowing laundry to be introduced therethrough, and a door for opening and closing the introduction port. The laundry treatment apparatus sequentially performs a washing cycle, a rinsing cycle, and a spin-drying cycle to wash the laundry. The method of controlling the laundry treatment apparatus includes determining whether bubbles have been generated in the tub within a period in which the washing cycle is performed while the drum is operated at a first rpm (a bubble determination step) and, upon determining at the bubble determination step that bubbles have been generated, operating the drum at a second rpm lower than the first rpm to perform the washing cycle (a first bubble reduction step).