Laundry Parameter Detection Using Conductivity Distribution Patterns
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laundry care machines face challenges in accurately determining parameters like mass and average moisture content of laundry items due to fluctuations in electrical conductivity measurements caused by varying contact between laundry and electrodes, leading to stochastic noise and the need for additional sensors.
Innovation Solution
A method that records a time series of electrical conductivity values and determines their distribution in size classes, comparing it to pre-defined patterns to identify typical characteristics, allowing for the determination of parameters like mass and moisture content without requiring absolute maxima or minima values, and potentially eliminating the need for additional sensors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If electrical conductivity measurements are used to determine laundry parameters, then the measurement process is simple and no additional sensors are needed, but the measurements are subject to fluctuations caused by varying contact between laundry and electrodes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the time series of conductivity measurements into different size classes (e.g., low, medium, high conductivity ranges) and evaluates the distribution pattern across these classes rather than relying on individual absolute values. This segmentation approach transforms noisy individual measurements into a more stable distribution pattern that can be reliably compared against reference patterns for different laundry types.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary action by recording a time series of conductivity measurements over a predetermined period before making the determination. This preliminary data collection allows the system to capture the distribution pattern of measurements, which is then compared against stored reference patterns to identify the laundry type, thereby compensating for contact fluctuations through statistical analysis.
2Productivity
If absolute conductivity values are used to determine treatment parameters, then the determination process is straightforward, but additional sensors may be required to compensate for measurement noise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by comparing the observed distribution pattern of conductivity measurements against stored reference patterns for different laundry types. The system uses this comparison to iteratively identify the most likely laundry type and adjust the determination accordingly, thereby improving reliability through pattern recognition rather than relying on single absolute values.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter evaluation approach from using absolute conductivity values to using the distribution pattern of conductivity values across different size classes. This parameter transformation converts the measurement from a single-value metric susceptible to noise into a multi-class distribution pattern that provides more reliable identification of laundry types.
3Loss of time
If conductivity measurements are taken during drum rotation, then continuous monitoring is achieved, but contact between laundry and electrodes varies causing stochastic noise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by taking conductivity measurements at regular intervals during the drum rotation cycle over a predetermined period. This periodic sampling captures the distribution of conductivity values as the laundry items repeatedly contact the electrodes, allowing the system to build a distribution pattern that averages out the stochastic noise from individual contact variations.
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 approach provides accurate and reliable determination of laundry parameters, enabling effective control of the drying process, reducing energy consumption, and preventing over-drying, while avoiding the need for calibration and additional sensors.
Implementation Method 1
a time series of measured values of electrical conductivity of the laundry items is recorded
Data Source
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AI summary
The method involves associating the electrodes (10) in a laundry drum (2) for receiving measurement values of electrical conductivity of laundry item (3) in laundry drum. The time series and distribution of measurement values of electrical conductivity of laundry item into several size categories are determined, so that the characteristic of laundry item is determined from size categories. An independent claim is included for the laundry care machine.