Method for controlling clothing treatment apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laundry treating apparatuses struggle to accurately distinguish between materials based on thickness, moisture content, and polyester content, leading to inadequate control of the treating process.
Innovation Solution
A method involving multiple sensing and determination steps to identify laundry material characteristics, including thickness, moisture content, and polyester content, through differential measurements of laundry amounts before and after water absorption and dehydration, along with vibration analysis during dehydration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a microprocessor-based control system with multiple sensors is used to accurately detect and control washing parameters, then washing quality and fabric care are improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sensing functions (temperature detection, humidity detection, weight detection) into a single integrated control unit that processes all inputs and coordinates all outputs. This merging approach maintains high measurement precision through multiple sensors while reducing overall system complexity by centralizing control logic in one microprocessor-based unit rather than distributing it across multiple separate control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit serves multiple functions: it processes inputs from various sensors (temperature, humidity, weight), controls multiple outputs (heating element, water valve, drum rotation), and adapts to different washing modes (wash, rinse, spin, delicate). This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated control systems for each function, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining comprehensive monitoring and control capabilities.
2Reliability
If multiple sensors and a microprocessor control system are implemented, then washing quality is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit is designed as a multi-functional device that handles temperature control, humidity monitoring, weight detection, and drum rotation control within a single integrated system. This universality reduces the total number of separate components that need to be manufactured and assembled, thereby lowering manufacturing costs while maintaining high washing quality through comprehensive parameter control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses a microprocessor-based control unit that can dynamically adjust multiple parameters (temperature, humidity, rotation speed, water flow) based on sensor inputs and pre-programmed washing programs. This parameter-based control approach allows for high washing quality through precise parameter optimization without requiring complex mechanical structures, thereby reducing manufacturing costs compared to mechanically complex alternative systems.
3Productivity
If the control system continuously monitors multiple parameters (temperature, humidity, weight), then washing process optimization is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system continuously monitors temperature, humidity, and weight parameters throughout the washing process to maintain optimal washing conditions. This continuous monitoring enables real-time adjustments that optimize washing efficiency and fabric care. The system manages energy consumption by using the microprocessor to intelligently control when and how adjustments are made, processing data continuously but executing power-intensive actions only when necessary, thereby balancing productivity optimization with energy efficiency.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present application relates to a method for controlling a clothing treatment apparatus, comprising: a first detection step of rotating a drum so as to detect an amount of clothing; a water supply step of supplying water to a tub up to a preset clothing-weight-specific reference water level; a foreign substance removal step of rotating the drum so that the clothing is rubbed together in the water; a drainage step of discharging the water stored in the tub; a second detection step of detecting the amount of clothing stored in the drum after the drainage step; a spin-dry step of rotating the drum so as to remove water from the clothing; a third detection step of detecting the amount of clothing stored in the drum after the spin-dry step; a first determination step of determining the material of the clothing according to thickness through the difference between the clothing weight measured in the second detection step and the clothing weight measured in the first detection step; and a second determination step of determining the material of the clothing according to water content through the difference between the clothing weight measured in the third detection step and the clothing weight measured in the first detection step.