Laundry Machine Steam Refresh Control for Wrinkle Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional laundry machines face issues with high energy and water consumption, inefficient washing of small loads with light soil, lack of a sterilization cycle, and wrinkles in dried laundry, which leads to the need for ironing.
Innovation Solution
A method for controlling a laundry machine that includes selecting a refresh course, supplying a predetermined amount of steam based on the laundry load, treating wash water, and rotating the drum to efficiently remove wrinkles and soil without excessive water or energy usage, while preventing static electricity and sterilizing the laundry.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a soaking cycle is performed to improve washing performance, then washing performance is improved, but water consumption increases too much
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state parameter of water from liquid (soaking) to vapor (steam injection). By injecting steam at high temperature into the drum during the refresh course, the system achieves effective washing and wrinkle removal without the excessive water consumption associated with traditional soaking cycles.
2Adaptability or versatility
If another heater is used to sterilize laundry, then sterilization function is added, but water and energy consumption increase too much
Solution Approach 1:
The steam generator serves multiple functions: it generates steam for wrinkle removal during the refresh course, and the same high-temperature steam provides sterilization. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate sterilization heating, thereby reducing overall energy and water consumption while maintaining sterilization capability.
3Quantity of substance
If conventional dryer is used to dry laundry, then drying function is provided, but wrinkles are caused on dried laundry
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs wrinkle removal by steam injection during the refresh course before the drying process. By pre-treating the laundry with high-temperature steam to relax wrinkles, the subsequent drying process does not create new wrinkles, thus eliminating the need for ironing.
4Adaptability or versatility
If wash water is used for sterilizing laundry, then sterilization is achieved, but water consumption increases too much
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the state of water from liquid (wash water) to vapor (steam). The steam generator produces high-temperature steam that contacts the laundry during the refresh course, achieving sterilization through thermal effect without requiring additional wash water, thus eliminating water consumption for sterilization purposes.
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 economizes water and energy, effectively removes wrinkles and soil, sterilizes laundry, and prevents static electricity, allowing for efficient washing and refreshing without the need for ironing.
Implementation Method 1
a steam generator for generating steam, which is to be injected to the laundry in the washing machine
Implementation Method 2
supplying the predetermined small amount of steam (a steam supply amount) into a drum in case that the selected course is a refresh course
Data Source
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AI summary
A laundry machine and a method for controlling the same are disclosed. A method for controlling a laundry machine includes steps of receiving a selected course selected by a user; and supplying the predetermined small amount of steam (a steam supply amount) into a drum in case that the selected course is a refresh course. Also, a laundry machine includes a course select part for a user selecting a course thereon; and a controller for controlling to supply the predetermined amount of steam (steam supply amount) in case that the selected course is a refresh course. An object of the present invention is to provide a laundry machine of which washing efficiency is improved and wash water and energy are economized. Another object of the present invention is to provide a laundry machine which can remove wrinkles of laundry more efficiently.