Washer Pretreatment Control Using BPM Feedback to Prevent Suds Lock
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automatic washer pretreatment methods face challenges in efficiently using small volumes of concentrated washing solutions, as they can lead to suds lock issues due to varying wash load sizes, and there is a risk of either absorption or dilution, affecting cleaning efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The method involves controlling the volume of concentrated detergent solutions independently of wash load size through air lock and water log detection steps, allowing for precise application and recirculation to ensure optimal cleaning performance, using a combination of spin and spray treatment processes in automatic washers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If small volumes of concentrated washing solutions are used to improve cleaning efficiency, then cleaning performance is improved, but suds lock issues occur due to varying wash load sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback control by monitoring the rotational speed of the wash basket motor and comparing it to expected values. When the motor speed deviates from the expected range, indicating water log conditions, the system automatically adjusts the washing process parameters to prevent suds lock while maintaining cleaning efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts washing parameters based on real-time motor speed feedback. The control method modifies detergent solution application rates and wash cycle parameters adaptively, allowing the system to optimize between using concentrated solutions for efficiency and preventing suds lock through variable load conditions.
2Productivity
If concentrated detergent solution is applied to improve cleaning performance, then cleaning efficiency is improved, but the risk of absorption or dilution increases affecting consistency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses motor speed feedback to indirectly monitor the state of the wash load and detergent solution interaction. By detecting changes in motor performance characteristics, the system infers the absorption and dilution state of the concentrated detergent solution and adjusts application rates accordingly to maintain consistent cleaning performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the motor's own performance characteristics as a sensor to self-diagnose the washing state. The motor speed variations serve as natural feedback signals that indicate when the concentrated detergent solution is being absorbed or diluted, enabling automatic compensation without external sensors.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods for laundering a textile wash load in a washing apparatus comprising the steps of pre-treating a textile wash load using methods that include a detection step selected from an airlock detection step, a water log detection step and combinations thereof.