Responsive soak time in a washing machine appliance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Standardized soak times in washing machine cycles may not be optimal for all users and loads, as they do not account for factors such as soil level, water quality, and additives, leading to a need for customizable soak times.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for a washing machine that allows users to input a pause during a cycle, incrementing a pause counter and storing the pause duration, enabling automatic extension of soak time in subsequent cycles based on user preferences and stored settings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If standardized soak times are used in washing machine cycles, then the washing machine operates efficiently with fixed parameters, but the soak time may not be optimal for all users and loads
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the soak time parameter adjustable and responsive to user input. The system transitions from a fixed, static soak time to a dynamic, user-responsive soak time that can be modified during cycle operation. Users can pause the cycle to extend soak time based on their specific load requirements, making the system adaptable without requiring complete redesign of the control architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by providing users with the option to extend soak time before the main washing action begins. By allowing users to pause the cycle after the tub is filled with liquid, the system prepares the articles for extended soaking in advance of the primary washing phase, optimizing soil loosening and stain treatment before mechanical agitation starts.
2Adaptability or versatility
If users manually pause cycles to extend soak time, then customized soak times are achieved, but user intervention is required for each cycle
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies feedback by implementing an automatic pause feature that uses information from previous cycles to determine soak time extensions in subsequent cycles. The controller remembers when users previously paused to extend soak time and automatically replicates this behavior, creating a feedback loop where past user preferences inform future automatic actions, reducing the need for repeated manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service by enabling the washing machine to automatically adjust soak times based on stored user preferences from previous operations. Once users initially set their preferred pause duration, the system serves itself by automatically pausing subsequent cycles without requiring continuous user input, making the customized soak time feature convenient and hands-free for repeated use.
3Extent of automation
If pause counter and stored pause duration are implemented, then automatic pause in subsequent cycles is enabled, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the controller store pause duration information from the first cycle before the second cycle begins. This pre-stored data is then automatically retrieved and applied to trigger the automatic pause in subsequent cycles, eliminating the need for complex real-time decision-making algorithms during cycle execution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements copying by having the controller replicate the pause behavior from the first cycle in subsequent cycles. The system copies the stored pause duration and pause counter logic to automatically reproduce the same soak time extension, simplifying the control approach by using pattern replication rather than complex adaptive algorithms.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of operating a washing machine appliance includes filling a wash tub with a wash liquid during a first cycle. The method also includes receiving a pause input after filling the wash tub and before draining the wash tub during the first cycle. In response to the pause input, the first cycle is paused for a pause duration. The method further includes incrementing a pause counter in response to the pause input and storing the pause duration after pausing the first cycle. The method also includes filling the wash tub with a wash liquid during a second cycle after the first cycle and automatically pausing the second cycle after filling the wash tub with the wash liquid during the second cycle, based on the pause counter and the stored pause duration.