Method for controlling laundry treating apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Laundry treating apparatuses with drying functions face challenges in enlarging filter capacity, preventing efficiency drops, determining filter mounting, notifying filter cleaning times, and distinguishing between filter and duct blockages caused by foreign matter.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a filter assembly with a brush for removing foreign matter, a position sensing unit to determine filter mounting, and a control system for periodic cleaning and user notifications, enhancing air flow rate and filtering capacity while maintaining efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the length of the connection duct is extended to increase filter capacity, then the filtering capacity is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase due to size standards constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from extending the connection duct in the vertical direction (height) to extending it in the horizontal direction (length), thereby increasing filter capacity without violating height-related size standards. This dimensional shift allows the filter to accommodate larger filtering areas while maintaining compliance with appliance dimension regulations.
2Reliability
If the filter is not monitored for mounting status, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability decreases due to undetected filter absence
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a sensing system that provides feedback on filter mounting status and foreign matter accumulation levels. The controller receives signals from position sensors to detect whether the filter is properly mounted and from foreign matter sensors to determine accumulation levels, enabling the system to adjust operation accordingly and notify users when maintenance is needed.
3Productivity
If the filter is cleaned manually based on user judgment, then the device complexity is minimized, but the productivity and drying efficiency decrease due to delayed cleaning
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses foreign matter accumulation sensors to continuously monitor the filter status and provides feedback to the controller. When the accumulation reaches a level that would affect drying efficiency, the controller automatically notifies the user through display messages or sounds, enabling timely cleaning before efficiency drops occur.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual visual inspection and judgment with automated sensing systems that use electrical or magnetic fields to detect foreign matter accumulation. This substitution provides objective, quantifiable measurements rather than relying on user subjectivity, enabling more precise timing for filter cleaning.
4Measurement precision
If no distinction is made between filter and duct blockages, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the air passage system into distinct segments - the filter assembly and the duct - and places sensors at specific locations in each segment. By monitoring pressure drops or airflow at different points, the system can determine whether a blockage occurs in the filter or further downstream in the duct, providing location-specific diagnostics.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method for controlling a laundry treating apparatus including a drum for holding laundry, a connection duct for exhausting air from an inside of the drum, an exhaust duct provided parallel to a length direction of the drum connected to the connection duct, a filter assembly with a filter unit provided to the exhaust duct for filtering the air and a brush for removing foreign matter from the filter unit, a brush drive unit for making the brush to reciprocate a section of the filter unit, and a position sensing unit for sensing a position of the brush.