Wash Aid Concentration Sensing for Precise Laundry Dispensing

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional automatic cleaning appliances face dispensing errors due to the increasing use of highly concentrated wash aids, which can lead to excessive sudsing or fabric damage if not accurately measured, as existing systems are designed for standard detergent concentrations.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a refractive index sensor in washing machines to determine the concentration of undiluted wash aids, allowing for automatic selection of operating parameters and precise dispensing, ensuring optimal cleaning with minimal excess suds and fabric protection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional dispensing systems are used with highly concentrated wash aids, then the system design remains simple and compatible with standard detergents, but dispensing accuracy deteriorates leading to excessive sudsing or fabric damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedispensing accuracyVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical/conventional dispensing systems with an optical sensing system. A refractive index sensor optically detects the concentration of wash aid in the dispenser, and this optical measurement is converted into control signals that automatically adjust dispensing parameters, eliminating the need for manual measurement and achieving precise dispensing with highly concentrated detergents.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a feedback control system where the refractive index sensor continuously monitors the wash aid concentration in the dispenser, and the controller automatically adjusts dispensing operations based on this real-time feedback. This closed-loop control ensures accurate dispensing of highly concentrated wash aids while preventing both over-dosing and under-dosing conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Productivity

If manual dispensing of highly concentrated wash aids is used, then the dispensing system remains simple, but cleaning effectiveness deteriorates due to dispensing errors

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning effectivenessVSAvoiduser operation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables the washing machine system to automatically perform the dispensing function without requiring user intervention for measurement. The refractive index sensor and controller work together to automatically determine and dispense the correct amount of highly concentrated wash aid, making the system self-sufficient and eliminating manual operation complexities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Object-affected harmful factors

If the quantity of highly concentrated wash aid is not precisely controlled, then the dispensing system remains simple to operate, but harmful effects increase including excessive sudsing and fabric damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefabric damage and excessive sudsingVSAvoidconcentration measurement accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses optical sensing to precisely measure wash aid concentration, replacing imprecise manual methods. The refractive index sensor provides accurate real-time concentration data, enabling the controller to precisely control dispensing and prevent harmful effects such as fabric damage and excessive sudsing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The feedback mechanism continuously monitors wash aid concentration and automatically adjusts dispensing to maintain optimal levels, preventing both over-dosing (which causes fabric damage and excessive sudsing) and under-dosing (which reduces cleaning effectiveness).

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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 solution enables accurate dispensing of wash aids based on their concentration, optimizing cleaning performance while preventing excessive sudsing and fabric damage, ensuring effective soil removal and efficient operation.

Implementation Method 1

the implementation of a refractive index sensor in washing machines to determine the concentration of undiluted wash aids

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRefractive index: Refraction

Data Source

PatentUS10066331B2Apparatus and method for controlling laundering cycle by sensing wash aid concentration

Publication Date: 2018.09.04 WHIRLPOOL CORP

AI summary

An automatic washing machine can be operated in accordance with a selected wash cycle by receiving an input indicative of a concentration of a wash aid prior to a dispensing of the wash aid into at least one of a tub and a drum, and selecting an operating parameter of the automatic washing machine in response to the determined concentration.