Twin-Drum Laundry Load Detection for Accurate Auxiliary Washing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional laundry treating apparatuses with two drums face challenges in accurately detecting laundry quantities in each drum during auxiliary and simultaneous washing modes, leading to inaccuracies and suboptimal washing effects due to water initially contained in the auxiliary drum, and lack a method to automatically determine the auxiliary drum's presence and mode selection.
Innovation Solution
A method for controlling a laundry treating apparatus with a main drum and auxiliary drum, where the main laundry quantity is detected via a pulsator, and the auxiliary laundry quantity is determined based on the main drum's rotation, allowing for accurate detection and optimal washing by selectively supplying water and adjusting modes based on detected quantities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a twin laundry treating apparatus with two separate drums is provided to enable simultaneous washing and drying, then washing and drying can be performed simultaneously on two drums, but the size of the apparatus is inevitably increased and the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The auxiliary drum is nested inside the main drum, allowing the auxiliary drum to be accommodated within the space of the main drum. This nesting configuration enables simultaneous washing and drying operations while avoiding the need for two separate external drums, thereby reducing overall apparatus size and structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The main drum serves multiple functions: it can rotate independently for washing operations and can also rotate to drive the auxiliary drum for drying operations. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate driving units for each drum, reducing structural complexity while maintaining simultaneous washing and drying capabilities.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a twin laundry treating apparatus with two separate drums is provided, then washing and drying can be performed simultaneously, but the manufacturing cost is inevitably increased
Solution Approach 1:
The main drum's rotation capability is utilized to drive both itself and the auxiliary drum, eliminating the need for a separate driving unit for the auxiliary drum. This reduces the number of required components and simplifies manufacturing, thereby reducing production costs while maintaining simultaneous washing and drying functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The driving mechanism for the main drum is combined with the driving mechanism for the auxiliary drum, allowing a single driving unit to perform both functions. This merging of functions reduces the total number of components required, simplifying manufacturing and reducing production costs.
3Measurement precision
If laundry quantity detection is performed in both main drum and auxiliary drum, then optimal washing can be achieved, but water initially contained in the auxiliary drum causes measurement errors
Solution Approach 1:
Before performing laundry quantity detection in the auxiliary drum, the system first discharges the water initially contained in the auxiliary drum through rotation. This preliminary action removes the source of measurement error, ensuring that subsequent laundry quantity detection is accurate and reliable.
Solution Approach 2:
The system rapidly rotates the auxiliary drum to quickly discharge the initial water before proceeding to laundry quantity detection. By rushing through the water discharge process, the system minimizes the time during which measurement errors could occur and efficiently transitions to the detection phase.
4Volume of stationary object
If the auxiliary drum is made detachable from the main drum, then the apparatus size can be reduced, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The auxiliary drum is designed as a detachable component that can be separated from the main drum, allowing the apparatus to operate in a compact configuration when the auxiliary drum is removed. The segmentation enables space-saving storage or transport while maintaining functional integrity during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection between the main drum and auxiliary drum is designed to be dynamically changeable, allowing the auxiliary drum to be attached or detached as needed. This dynamic configuration enables the apparatus to adapt its size and structure based on operational requirements, reducing overall footprint when the auxiliary drum is not in use.
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 enables accurate detection of laundry quantities in both drums, ensuring optimal washing performance by adjusting water supply and mode selection, thereby improving washing efficiency and user convenience.
Implementation Method 1
a main laundry quantity detection operation for detecting a laundry quantity in the main drum via rotation of a pulsator disposed in the main drum
Implementation Method 2
an auxiliary laundry quantity detection operation for detecting a laundry quantity in the auxiliary drum by driving the main drum
Data Source
AI summary
A method for controlling a laundry treating apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a main-drum and an auxiliary-drum selectively mounted on or separated from the main-drum. The method may comprise: a main laundry quantity detection operation for detecting a laundry quantity in the main-drum via rotation of a pulsator disposed in the main-drum; and an auxiliary laundry quantity detection operation for detecting a laundry quantity in the auxiliary-drum by driving the main-drum, wherein the auxiliary laundry quantity detection operation is performed based on the main laundry quantity detected in the main laundry quantity detection operation.