Washer Cycle Control for Timed Detergent and Bleach Dosing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing clothes washers 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 methods that do not account for varying stain types or optimal delivery times.

Innovation Solution

A control system for automatic washers that selects wash cycles based on fabric load conditions, allowing for differential dispensing of detergents and oxidizing agents in various orders and amounts, along with adjustable water levels, agitation times, and temperatures, tailored to specific stain types.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering 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

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecleaning effectivenessVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control system dynamically adjusts the dispensing timing, sequence, and amounts of detergent and oxidizing agent based on the selected stain type. Different wash cycles (first through fourth cycles) employ different dispensing strategies - some dispense detergent first then oxidizing agent, others reverse the sequence, and amounts vary by cycle phase, optimizing cleaning effectiveness for specific stain types while managing system complexity through programmed variability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If detergent and oxidizing agent are combined in the same wash liquor, then the device complexity is reduced, but the cleaning effectiveness is worsened because the two chemistries counteract each other

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecleaning effectivenessVSAvoiddispensing system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the dispensing of detergent and oxidizing agent into separate controlled operations rather than combining them simultaneously. The control system manages multiple dispensing events across different wash cycles, separating the introduction timing of each chemistry to prevent counteraction while maintaining effective stain removal through coordinated sequencing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If predetermined dispensing points are used for bleaching agent, then the ease of operation is improved, but the cleaning effectiveness is worsened due to inability to adapt to different stain types and optimal delivery times

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestain removal effectivenessVSAvoiduser selection complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary action by providing pre-configured wash cycles (first through fourth cycles) with predetermined dispensing sequences and amounts optimized for different stain types. Users select from predefined options rather than configuring individual parameters, maintaining ease of operation while achieving adapted dispensing strategies for various stain types including grass, blood, cocoa, carbon, red wine, tea, coffee, perspiration, dirt, mud and oily soils.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 optimizing the use of detergents and oxidizing agents according to specific stains, reducing water consumption, and improving stain removal across different wash cycles.

Implementation Method 1

a bleach in the form of an oxidizing agent

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOxidation: Oxidation

Implementation Method 2

one being a detergent and the other being a bleach

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSurfactant action: Surfactant

Data Source

PatentUS9091010B2Washer and washer control with cycles for laundry additives and color safe bleaches/in-wash stain removers
Publication Date: 2015.07.28 WHIRLPOOL CORP
  • US9091010B2 patent drawing
  • US9091010B2 patent drawing
  • US9091010B2 patent drawing

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 entrées, 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 in different orders and at different times and in different amounts, depending on the stain type selected.