Load-Adaptive Heating Control for Cleaning Device Energy Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cleaning devices face inefficiencies in heating items during the cleaning process, leading to energy-intensive operations and suboptimal moisture removal, which can affect hygiene and user comfort.
Innovation Solution
A method and control unit that read loading parameters to determine a heating signal for controlled heating after the main cleaning process, utilizing existing heating elements and ventilation systems to reduce moisture and kill germs, while considering the type and quantity of items being cleaned, and introducing cold water to enhance dehumidification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If items are heated during cleaning process regardless of load, then heating function is provided, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the heating parameter (temperature) based on the load size detected by the sensor. When a small load is detected, the heating temperature is reduced or heating is omitted entirely, thereby reducing energy consumption while still providing heating functionality when needed for larger loads
Solution Approach 2:
A sensor detects the load size and provides feedback to the control unit, which then adjusts the heating parameters accordingly. This closed-loop control ensures that heating is applied appropriately based on actual conditions, avoiding unnecessary energy consumption
2Quantity of substance
If heating is applied after main cleaning process, then moisture content is reduced, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of applying full heating power to remove all moisture, the system applies partial heating action that reduces moisture content to a satisfactory level. The sensor-based control allows the system to apply just enough heating to achieve the desired moisture reduction without excessive energy consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The heating parameters (temperature, duration) are adjusted based on the detected load size and moisture content, applying optimized heating that achieves moisture reduction with minimal energy expenditure
3Reliability
If heating temperature is increased for germicidal action, then hygiene is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit uses sensor feedback to determine when high-temperature heating is necessary for germicidal action. Based on the detected load characteristics, the system applies high temperature only when needed for hygiene purposes, rather than continuously, thereby maintaining hygiene standards while reducing overall energy consumption
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 reduces energy consumption, enhances hygiene by killing germs, improves user comfort by adjusting laundry temperature, and achieves efficient moisture removal, saving energy in subsequent drying processes.
Implementation Method 1
a heating signal is determined using the load signal to control the heating of the item to be cleaned in the cleaning device after a final cleaning process with a cleaning agent
Implementation Method 2
Heating the items after the main cleaning process allows for germicidal action through increased water temperature
Implementation Method 3
This heating process can be energy-intensive
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for controlling the heating of a cleaning item (305) during a cleaning process in a cleaning device (300). The method (400) comprises at least one reading step and one determination step. In the reading step, a load signal is read in, which represents at least one load parameter of the cleaning item (305) received in the cleaning device (300). In the determination step, a heating signal (120) is read in using the load signal in order to control the heating of the cleaning item (305) received in the cleaning device (300) after a final cleaning process with a care agent.