Washer Cycle Control for Stain-Specific Additive Dispensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing washing machines lack advanced controls to optimize the use of bleaching agents and detergents based on specific stain types, leading to reduced cleaning effectiveness due to rudimentary dispensing mechanisms that do not account for varying stain and soil conditions.
Innovation Solution
A control system for automatic washers that allows selection of specific stain types, enabling customizable wash cycles with differential dispensing of detergents and oxidizing agents in terms of order, timing, and amount, along with adjustable water levels, agitation times, and temperatures, to optimize cleaning for different fabric loads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If bleaching agents and detergent are introduced separately with rudimentary controls, then the device complexity is reduced, but the cleaning effectiveness is worsened due to inability to optimize dispensing timing and amounts for different stain types
Solution Approach 1:
The control system dynamically adjusts the dispensing timing, sequence, and amounts of detergent and bleaching agent based on the selected stain type. Different wash cycles (e.g., cycle 102, 104, 106, 108) implement varying dispensing strategies such as simultaneous introduction, sequential introduction with detergent first, or sequential introduction with bleaching agent first, optimizing cleaning effectiveness for different stain conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes multiple parameters including dispensing timing, dispensing sequence, and dispensing amounts based on stain type selection. For example, color-safe bleach cycles use controlled-rate dispensing with specific timing delays, while other cycles may use instantaneous bulk dispensing. The system also adjusts water temperature, agitation time, and water level parameters to optimize cleaning for different stain types.
2Reliability
If detergent and bleaching agent are combined in the same wash liquor at the same time, then the device complexity is reduced, but the cleaning effectiveness is worsened because the two chemistries counteract each other
Solution Approach 1:
The wash cycle is segmented into distinct phases with separate dispensing events for detergent and bleaching agent. The control system divides the wash cycle into multiple time periods (e.g., first time period for detergent, second time period for bleaching agent) and uses separate dispensing mechanisms (first dispenser, second dispenser) to introduce each chemistry at optimized times, preventing counteraction while maintaining system manageability.
Solution Approach 2:
The detergent is dispensed in advance during a first time period before the bleaching agent is introduced in a second time period. This preliminary action allows the detergent to begin its cleaning function and establish a foundation for subsequent bleaching action, ensuring both chemistries work synergistically rather than counteracting each other.
3Reliability
If rudimentary washer controls are used for automatic dispensing, then the ease of operation is improved, but the cleaning effectiveness is worsened due to inability to adapt to different stain and soil conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The control system provides multiple pre-programmed wash cycles (at least four different cycles) that cover different stain types and cleaning needs. Each cycle encapsulates optimized parameters for dispensing timing, sequence, and amounts, allowing users to select from universal solutions rather than manually configuring complex parameters. The system handles color-safe bleaches, enzyme-sensitive soils, and various stain types through dedicated cycle profiles.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system automatically selects and executes the appropriate dispensing strategy based on the user's stain type selection, eliminating the need for users to manually time or calculate optimal dispensing parameters. The system self-manages the complex coordination of multiple dispensers, water temperature control, agitation timing, and water level management, providing expert-level cleaning optimization through simple user interaction.
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
Enhances cleaning effectiveness by tailoring wash cycles to specific stains, improving stain removal efficiency while reducing water and energy consumption through targeted use of detergents and oxidizing agents.
Implementation Method 1
a bleach in the form of an oxidizing agent
Implementation Method 2
one being a detergent and the other being a bleach
Data Source
AI summary
A washer and a control for an automatic washer to operate the washer through a wash cycle selected based upon a range of conditions of a fabric load to be washed. The control has a plurality of selectable stain type entrees, each with a particular dedicated wash cycle. The control also has dispensing control over at least two wash liquor additives, one being a detergent and the other being an oxidizing agent. The control operates the dedicated wash cycles, as selected, using both the detergent and the oxidizing agent; however, the detergent and the oxidizing agent may be dispensed differently, depending on the stain type selected.