Steam Generator Water Level Fault Detection in Washing Machines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Washing machines with steam generation capabilities face safety risks and inefficiencies due to undetected faults in the water level sensor, leading to potential damage or unsafe operation.
Innovation Solution
Implement a method to detect an out-of-order water level sensor in the steam generator, automatically turning off the steam generator and switching to a general washing mode, which includes steps to determine sensor failure through sensing full and zero water levels, temperature monitoring, and excessive water supply.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a water level sensor is installed in the steam generator to monitor water levels, then steam generation efficiency is improved, but the risk of sensor failure and subsequent safety hazards increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of water level sensor status before steam generation begins. The control unit checks whether the water level sensor is functioning properly by monitoring if it detects water level changes during the water supply phase. This preliminary check prevents safety hazards before they occur.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit continuously monitors the water level sensor's output signals and provides feedback on sensor status. When the sensor fails to detect expected water level changes or provides abnormal readings, the control unit receives feedback indicating sensor failure and automatically stops steam generation to prevent safety hazards.
2Productivity
If the washing machine operates in steam washing mode to improve washing performance and sterilization, then washing effectiveness is improved, but the potential damage from sensor failure and steam leakage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system takes preliminary anti-action by detecting water level sensor failures before they can cause steam leakage or damage. The control unit monitors sensor status and preemptively stops steam generation when sensor malfunction is detected, preventing the harmful effects before they manifest.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit acts as an intermediary between the water level sensor and the steam generator. It mediates by continuously monitoring sensor signals and controlling steam generation based on sensor status, preventing direct harmful effects from sensor failures to the steam generation system and laundry.
3Reliability
If the water level sensor is continuously monitored to detect failures, then safety is improved, but system complexity and detection difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The water level sensor performs self-service by the system monitoring its own operational status through its normal output signals. The control unit detects sensor failure by analyzing whether the sensor provides expected water level information during water supply, without requiring separate dedicated monitoring sensors or complex additional hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The system monitors parameter changes in the water level sensor's output signals to detect failures. By observing changes in the sensor's electrical resistance or signal output that correspond to water level changes, the control unit can detect sensor malfunction through parameter analysis rather than requiring complex structural modifications.
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
Ensures safe operation by detecting water level sensor failures, preventing damage and ensuring effective washing performance by switching to a general washing mode.
Implementation Method 1
sprays a high temperature steam into the drum in the washing machine
Implementation Method 2
heating the washing water by using the washing water heater until a temperature of the tub rises to a preset temperature
Data Source
AI summary
An object of the present invention is to provide a washing method of a washing machine, in which an out of order of a water level sensor in a steam generator which generates steam is detected exactly, for safe protection of the steam generator and laundry, and effective performance of the washing. To achieve the object of the present invention, the washing method includes the steps of ($ sensing a water level sensor being out of order during steam washing, and (B) turning off the′ steam generator if it is sensed that the water level sensor is out of order.