Washing Machine Additive Timing Control With Door Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
In some washing machine appliances, users need to manually add additives like bleach at specific times during the wash cycle, which can be inconvenient and prone to user error, especially when additives are directly flowed through the dispenser to the tub.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that transmit an additive deposition signal to the user after the first agitation, start a timer, and determine if the washing machine door is opened and closed during this time, allowing for a second agitation only if the door remains closed, ensuring the additive is added correctly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If additives are directly flowed through the dispenser to the tub, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ease of operation deteriorates because users must manually time the additive addition
Solution Approach 1:
The controller provides feedback to the user through visual or audible signals indicating when to add additives. The system monitors wash cycle progress and communicates the optimal additive addition timing to the user, enabling them to operate the simplified dispenser system effectively without needing to remember or estimate timing.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables the user to self-manage the additive addition process by providing clear timing guidance. The user independently adds the additive at the signaled moment, combining the simplicity of direct-flow dispensing with user-controlled precision timing.
2Ease of operation
If additives are held in the dispenser until a desired time, then the ease of operation improves, but the device complexity increases due to the need for timed release mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of complex automated timing mechanisms, the system uses feedback signals to guide the user on when to add additives. This approach achieves precise timing control through information provision rather than mechanical complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller acts as an intermediary between the wash cycle timing system and the user. It translates internal timing information into user-friendly signals, mediating the interaction between the automated system and manual additive addition without requiring complex dispenser mechanisms.
3Productivity
If the user is required to know when to add the additive, then the productivity is improved, but the reliability deteriorates due to user error
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides real-time feedback to the user indicating the optimal moment for additive addition during the wash cycle. This feedback mechanism ensures reliable timing by eliminating reliance on user memory or estimation, while maintaining wash cycle productivity through seamless integration with the automated process.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for controlling additive deposition in a washing machine appliance includes transmitting, after a first agitation of a load within a tub of the washing machine appliance, an additive deposition signal to a user of the washing machine appliance. The method further includes beginning a timer, the timer set to run for a predetermined time period. The method further includes determining whether a door of the washing machine appliance has been opened after transmitting the additive deposition signal and during the predetermined time period. The method further includes determining whether the door has been closed when the door has been opened during the predetermined time period, and performing a second agitation of the load when the door has been closed. The method further includes performing the second agitation when the door has not been opened during the predetermined time period after the predetermined time period has been reached.