Laundry Steam Sanitizing Control for Fabric-Safe Temperature Holding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cloth treating apparatuses face challenges in sanitizing laundry without damaging fabrics, as high steam temperatures can cause deformation or discoloration, while low temperatures may result in incomplete sanitization, and there is a need to prevent energy waste by adjusting steam supply based on laundry load.
Innovation Solution
A control method for laundry treating machines that selects between two sanitary courses, adjusting steam temperature and time based on laundry load, with feedback control to maintain a predetermined sanitary temperature for a standard time, and turning off the heater when the maximum temperature is reached to optimize energy use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If high steam temperature is used for sanitization, then sanitization effectiveness is improved, but fabric damage (deformation, shrinkage, discoloration) occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic temperature control by switching between first and second temperature settings based on real-time detection of fabric type. The control unit adjusts the steam temperature dynamically: using higher temperature for heat-resistant fabrics and lower temperature for heat-sensitive fabrics, thereby achieving effective sanitization without causing fabric damage
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the temperature parameter of steam based on fabric characteristics. By detecting fabric type and correspondingly adjusting the steam temperature parameter, the system optimizes the balance between sanitization effectiveness and fabric protection, avoiding both insufficient sanitization and fabric damage
2Object-affected harmful factors
If low steam temperature is used to protect fabric, then fabric damage is prevented, but sanitization effectiveness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts steam temperature based on fabric type detection. For heat-sensitive fabrics, it uses lower temperature to prevent damage; for heat-resistant fabrics, it uses higher temperature to ensure effective sanitization. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction between fabric protection and sanitization effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The temperature parameter is changed according to fabric characteristics. By detecting whether the fabric is heat-sensitive or heat-resistant and correspondingly adjusting the steam temperature parameter, the system achieves both fabric protection and effective sanitization simultaneously
3Reliability
If steam is supplied continuously to ensure sanitization, then sanitization effectiveness is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic steam supply control based on detected sanitization status. When the control unit detects that sanitization has been achieved, it stops or reduces steam supply; when sanitization is insufficient, it continues or increases steam supply. This periodic action ensures effective sanitization while minimizing energy consumption by avoiding continuous unnecessary steam generation
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback control where the control unit continuously monitors sanitization status and adjusts steam supply accordingly. Based on the detected whether sanitization is sufficient or not, the system dynamically adjusts the steam supply amount, achieving energy-efficient sanitization by supplying steam only when and where needed
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 method effectively sanitizes laundry without damaging fabrics and reduces energy waste by tailoring steam supply to the specific load, ensuring efficient sanitization and energy conservation.
Implementation Method 1
a heater generating steam
Implementation Method 2
supplying steam to the objects, with controlling a temperature of the accommodating space
Data Source
AI summary
A control method of the same are disclosed. A control method of a laundry treating machine comprising an accommodating space receiving laundry therein, the control method includes selecting one of at least two sanitary courses to sanitize objects, and supplying steam to the objects, with controlling a temperature of the accommodating space and a steam supplying time to maintain a temperature of the object to be at a predetermined sanitary standard temperature or higher for a predetermined sanitary standard time according to the selected course. According to the control method of the present invention, steam may be supplied appropriately according to the load amount of the laundry treating machine such that damage of laundry fabric may be prevented, sanitizing, or sterilizing the laundry.