Laundry load soil level detection system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laundry washing machines cannot automatically determine the appropriate amount of detergent needed for a specific laundry load before the washing cycle begins, nor can they set soil-level-dependent wash parameters, leading to inefficient detergent use and inconsistent wash results across different load sizes.
Innovation Solution
A laundry washing machine equipped with a liquid clarity sensor and a controller that determines the soil level of the laundry load during the water filling phase, allowing for the automatic dispensing of the required detergent amount and adjustment of wash parameters based on the detected soil level and load size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a turbidity sensor is used to measure wash liquid clarity during the washing cycle, then the cleaning effectiveness can be monitored, but the soil level of the load cannot be determined before washing begins
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing soil level detection during the water filling phase before the washing cycle officially begins. The controller activates the turbidity sensor to measure wash liquid clarity at this early stage, allowing soil level determination to be completed in advance. This enables subsequent automatic detergent dispensing and wash parameter setting without extending the actual washing time.
2Extent of automation
If manual detergent dosing is used, then users can control detergent amount, but automatic detergent optimization based on load soil level and size cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by using the turbidity sensor to continuously monitor wash liquid clarity and automatically adjusting detergent dispensing based on real-time measurements. The controller receives turbidity signals, compares them against predetermined thresholds, and automatically dispenses additional detergent or adjusts wash parameters without user intervention. This closed-loop feedback system optimizes detergent usage according to the actual soil level and load characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies self-service by enabling the washing machine to automatically determine load size, measure soil level, calculate optimal detergent quantity, and dispense detergent without user input. The controller integrates data from multiple sensors and autonomously makes decisions about detergent dosing and wash parameter adjustment, allowing the machine to serve itself rather than requiring manual user configuration.
3Reliability
If fixed wash parameters are used for all loads, then the washing machine is simple to operate, but consistent cleaning efficiency across various load sizes and soil levels cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making wash parameters variable rather than fixed. The controller automatically adjusts wash parameters such as water temperature, cycle duration, and agitation intensity based on real-time measurements of load size and soil level. This dynamic adaptation ensures optimal cleaning performance for each specific load while maintaining user-friendly operation through automated decision-making.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements parameter changes by modifying multiple wash parameters based on sensor measurements. The controller adjusts detergent quantity, water temperature, cycle time, and mechanical action intensity according to the detected soil level and load characteristics. These parameter changes are automatically determined to achieve consistent cleaning results across different washing scenarios without requiring complex user input.
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 optimizes detergent use, minimizes wash cycle time, and ensures consistent cleaning efficiency across various load sizes, reducing energy consumption and wear on clothing.
Implementation Method 1
a liquid clarity sensor for sensing the clarity of the washing liquid in the water container
Data Source
AI summary
A laundry washing machine and method of operating same for the purpose of automatically determining a soil level of a laundry load from two turbidity readings taken before a washing cycle commences, such as during a pre-wash, filling phase. The machine is configured to detect a load size, add a first amount of water and take a first turbidity reading. A first dose of detergent is then added, a second amount of water added and the wetted load is gently tumbled/agitated before taking a second turbidity reading. A value based upon a ratio of the turbidity readings can determine the soil level of the load in order to choose a wash-related parameter, such as how much detergent to use for the subsequent complete wash cycle and/or the duration thereof.