A method for washing laundry in a laundry washing machine and laundry washing machine implementig the method

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing laundry washing machines lack effective methods for automatically determining soil levels and optimizing washing cycles to improve cleaning efficiency and detergent removal.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a turbidimeter device to measure turbidity and an electrical conductivity detecting device to determine soil levels and adjust washing cycles, including a soil removal phase and dynamic rinse cycle based on detergent type, to enhance cleaning and detergent removal.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual soil level selection is used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision and automatic optimization are worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesoil level detection accuracyVSAvoidsensor unit and automatic control system
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical selection with optical measurement systems. A turbidimeter measures the turbidity of wash water to automatically determine soil level, substituting user manual selection with automated optical detection and control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The washing machine performs self-diagnosis and self-adjustment by automatically measuring soil levels through turbidity detection and adjusting washing parameters without user intervention, enabling the system to serve itself in determining optimal washing conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Productivity

If standard washing cycles are used, then device complexity is reduced, but cleaning efficiency and adaptability are worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecleaning efficiencyVSAvoidadaptive control system
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic washing cycles that automatically adjust washing time, water temperature, and detergent dosage based on real-time turbidity measurements, transforming fixed standard cycles into adaptive dynamic processes that optimize cleaning efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system continuously monitors wash water turbidity and uses this feedback to automatically adjust washing parameters, creating a closed-loop control system that adapts the washing cycle based on actual soil removal progress.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Measurement precision

If fixed rinse cycle is used, then device complexity is reduced, but detergent removal effectiveness is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetergent residue detectionVSAvoidelectrical conductivity detection system
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces fixed mechanical rinse timing with electrical conductivity measurement systems. An electrical conductivity sensor detects detergent residue in real-time, substituting predetermined rinse schedules with automated chemical composition detection and control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system automatically determines when rinsing is complete by self-monitoring electrical conductivity levels, enabling the rinse cycle to serve itself in determining optimal termination points without user intervention or fixed timing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

4Productivity

If manual detergent dosing is used, then device complexity is reduced, but washing optimization is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewashing optimizationVSAvoidautomatic dosing device
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses turbidity measurement feedback to automatically control detergent dosing, adjusting the amount and timing of detergent addition based on real-time soil level detection to optimize washing effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The automatic dosing device pre-calculates and prepares detergent addition based on predicted soil levels from initial turbidity measurements, performing preliminary dosing actions before the washing cycle begins or at optimal intermediate points.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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

The method automatically determines soil levels and optimizes washing cycles, leading to improved cleaning efficiency and effective removal of detergent and dirt from laundry.

Implementation Method 1

a turbidity detecting device that measures the turbidity of the liquid flowing therethrough

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTurbidity measurement: Scattering

Implementation Method 2

an electrical conductivity detecting device to determine soil levels and adjust washing cycles

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical conductivity measurement: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentEP3931388B1A method for washing laundry in a laundry washing machine and laundry washing machine implementig the method
Publication Date: 2023.10.04 ELECTROLUX APPLIANCES
  • EP3931388B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3931388B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3931388B1 patent drawingFigure 3~3A

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for washing laundry in a laundry washing machine (1) comprising a washing tub (3) external to a washing drum (4) and a turbidity detecting device (52). The method comprises a step of determining (180) the soil level of the laundry by means of measurement of turbidity through the turbidity detecting device (52) and a step of performing (230) at least one soil removal phase if the soil level is high.