Washing Machine Cycle Control for User-Set Finish Time
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional washing machines lack user flexibility in adjusting the execution time of laundry treatment operations, making it difficult for users to terminate the process within a specified time set by them, and fail to automatically adjust necessary properties based on user inputs.
Innovation Solution
A method for operating a washing machine that allows users to set the operation time through a time setting unit, with a controller adjusting the spin-dry execution time and other parameters like laundry amount, contamination degree, and water supply level to ensure the laundry treatment is completed within the set time, by varying the acceleration gradient and other operational parameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the laundry treatment operation time is automatically set according to laundry amount, then the washing quality is ensured, but the user cannot arbitrarily adjust the execution time
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the spin-dry acceleration gradient based on the user-set operation time. When a shorter operation time is specified, the controller increases the acceleration gradient to reach higher speeds faster, thereby accommodating user time constraints while maintaining effective spin-dry performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller changes the acceleration parameter during the spin-dry operation according to the total operation time setting. By modifying the acceleration gradient parameter, the system can compress or extend the spin-dry duration to match user requirements without compromising the fundamental washing quality.
2Reliability
If the spin-dry execution time is extended to ensure thorough drying, then the drying quality improves, but the total operation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies a higher acceleration gradient than traditionally used, causing the washing tub to reach spin-dry speeds more quickly. This excessive acceleration allows the spin-dry phase to be completed in less time while still achieving effective drying through higher rotational velocities.
Solution Approach 2:
The wash and rinse phases are optimized to remove contaminants and detergent more efficiently before spin-dry begins. By performing preliminary cleaning actions more effectively, less time is needed in the subsequent spin-dry phase to achieve the same drying quality.
3Duration of action of moving object
If the acceleration gradient is increased to reduce spin-dry time, then the operation time decreases, but the mechanical stress on the washing tub increases
Solution Approach 1:
The acceleration gradient is applied periodically rather than continuously. The controller increases acceleration during phases when the washing tub is most stable and applies braking forces during phases when stress would be highest, thereby reducing peak mechanical stress while maintaining reduced spin-dry time.
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
Enables users to terminate the laundry treatment operation within a user-defined time, increasing convenience and automatically adjusting operational parameters to optimize the process based on user inputs, ensuring efficient completion of wash, rinse, and spin-dry cycles.
Implementation Method 1
a spin-dry to remove water from the laundry by rotating a washing tub containing the laundry at a high speed
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
Disclosed herein is a washing machine including a time setting unit (32) configured to set an operation time, and a controller (24) configured to control the laundry treatment operation so as to be terminated before expiration of the operating time by adjusting at least one of a level of water supplied to a washing tub (3) to execute at least one of the wash and the rinse, a number of times of executing the rinse and an execution time of the spin-dry, according to the operation time set through the time setting unit (32).