Washing Machine Water Circulation Control for Shorter Wash Cycles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional drum type washing machines experience shortened component lifetimes and prolonged washing cycles due to frequent water supply and circulation, which impairs reliability and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A method that senses laundry amount to optimize water supply and circulation time, limiting water circulation to once after initial supply, with predetermined times for both, and rotating the drum during these processes to enhance wetting and cleaning efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If washing water is frequently supplied and circulated, then soaking effectiveness is improved, but component lifetime is shortened and reliability is impaired
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameters of water supply and circulation by determining optimal water quantities and circulation time periods based on sensed laundry amounts. This optimization reduces the frequency of water supply and circulation operations while maintaining effective soaking, thereby extending component lifetime and improving reliability without excessively prolonging washing time.
2Manufacturing precision
If washing water is frequently supplied and circulated, then soaking effectiveness is improved, but washing time is elongated
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit senses laundry amounts and uses this feedback information to determine optimal water supply quantities and circulation time periods. This feedback mechanism ensures that water is supplied and circulated in appropriate amounts and durations, achieving effective soaking without unnecessary repeated operations that would extend washing time.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of frequently repeating full water supply and circulation cycles, the patent applies partial action by determining specific water quantities and circulation durations based on laundry amounts. This approach achieves sufficient soaking effectiveness with reduced operational frequency, thereby shortening total washing time.
3Reliability
If water supply and circulation operations are repeated frequently, then washing performance is maintained, but component reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit performs preliminary sensing of laundry amounts before determining water supply quantities and circulation time periods. This preliminary action allows the system to plan optimal water operations in advance, reducing the need for frequent repeated operations and thereby improving component reliability while maintaining washing efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention discloses a method for controlling a washing machine for shortening a washing time period and extending lifetimes of components of the washing machine. For this, the present invention provides a method for controlling a washing machine including the steps of sensing a laundry amount, repeatedly supplying washing water to a tub of the washing machine with reference to the laundry amount sensed thus, and circulating the washing water for a predetermined time period for wetting the laundry, wherein the step of circulating is performed only once.