Steam Refresh Drum Control for Low-Water Laundry Care
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional laundry machines face issues of high energy consumption, inefficient washing performance, excessive water usage, lack of sterilization cycles, and wrinkle formation in dried laundry, which leads to inconvenient ironing requirements.
Innovation Solution
A laundry machine control method that includes selecting a 'refresh' course to supply a predetermined amount of steam based on the laundry load, rotating the drum at varying speeds, and controlling the steam supply to maintain a target temperature between 40° C and 60° C, while treating wash water and discharging excess water to conserve energy and water.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a soaking cycle is performed before washing to improve washing performance, then washing efficiency is improved, but wash water consumption increases excessively
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing a soaking cycle before the main washing cycle to improve washing efficiency. The soaking cycle pre-treats the laundry with water and detergent, allowing stains to loosen and fabrics to become more receptive to cleaning agents, thereby enhancing the effectiveness of the subsequent wash.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses partial action by implementing a shortened or reduced-intensity soaking cycle compared to traditional methods. The soaking time and water quantity are optimized to provide sufficient pre-treatment benefit while consuming less water than conventional soaking cycles, balancing effectiveness with resource conservation.
2Reliability
If another heater is used for sterilizing laundry to provide sanitary function, then sterilization is achieved, but wash water and energy consumption increase excessively
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes phase transitions by employing steam generation to achieve sterilization. Steam is produced by heating water to its boiling point, and the phase change from liquid to vapor provides high-temperature treatment that effectively sterilizes laundry without requiring additional heating elements or excessive energy input.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies multi-functionality by using the steam generation system for multiple purposes: it serves both as a heating source for the wash water and as a sterilization agent. The same steam that heats the washing water also provides the high-temperature treatment needed for sanitizing laundry, eliminating the need for a separate sterilization heater.
3Productivity
If conventional dryer is used to dry laundry, then drying function is provided, but wrinkles are formed on dried laundry requiring ironing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies continuity of useful action by seamlessly transitioning the laundry from the wash cycle directly into the steam refresh cycle without interruption. The laundry remains in the drum throughout, receiving continuous treatment that progresses from washing to steaming, ensuring the fabric stays moist and pliable for wrinkle removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes phase transitions by introducing steam into the drum during the refresh cycle. The phase change from liquid water to steam provides intense moisture and heat treatment that relaxes fabric fibers and eliminates wrinkles, offering an alternative to mechanical drying that causes creasing.
4Productivity
If a drum type washing machine is used to wash laundry, then washing function is provided, but large energy consumption occurs when washing small amount of laundry with light soil
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the washing process adaptable and variable based on the actual laundry load. The system dynamically adjusts washing parameters including water quantity, detergent dosage, cycle duration, and steam generation intensity according to the sensed amount and type of laundry, optimizing energy consumption for each specific washing task.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses feedback by incorporating sensors that detect the laundry load characteristics and use this information to automatically adjust washing parameters. The system continuously monitors the washing process and modifies operations in real-time based on feedback from the sensors, ensuring energy-efficient operation matched to the actual washing needs.
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 and water consumption, efficiently washes laundry with minimal soil, removes wrinkles and odors, sterilizes laundry, and prevents static electricity, eliminating the need for ironing dried laundry.
Implementation Method 1
a steam supplying part for supplying steam into the drum
Implementation Method 2
A heater 60 is further provided within the tub 20 for heating wash water
Data Source
AI summary
A laundry machine and a method for controlling the same are disclosed. A method for controlling a laundry machine includes steps of receiving a selected course selected by a user; and supplying the predetermined small amount of steam (a steam supply amount) into a drum in case that the selected course is a refresh course. Also, a laundry machine includes a course select part for a user selecting a course thereon; and a controller for controlling to supply the predetermined amount of steam (steam supply amount) in case that the selected course is a refresh course. An object of the present invention is to provide a laundry machine of which washing efficiency is improved and wash water and energy are economized. Another object of the present invention is to provide a laundry machine which can remove wrinkles of laundry more efficiently.