Washing Machine Cycle Control Using Two-Stage Laundry Weighing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Washing machines lack an efficient method to adjust washing cycle duration based on laundry weight, leading to resource wastage and suboptimal washing quality, as current methods either set default durations that are too long or fail to account for varying loads effectively.
Innovation Solution
A method that calculates the initial weight of laundry before water is supplied, compares it to a threshold, and adjusts the washing cycle duration only if the load is heavy, using a second weight calculation after water introduction to optimize the cycle duration, thereby minimizing energy and water usage while ensuring effective washing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the washing cycle duration is set to the longest possible default duration, then washing quality is ensured for all load sizes, but energy and water resources are wasted on lighter loads
Solution Approach 1:
The washing cycle duration is dynamically adjusted based on the detected laundry weight. The control unit modifies the cycle parameters (time, energy consumption, water usage) according to the actual load size, ensuring optimal washing quality for each specific case rather than using a fixed longest duration for all loads
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses weight sensors to detect the actual laundry weight and provides feedback to the control unit. Based on this feedback, the control unit automatically adjusts the washing cycle duration and resources, creating a closed-loop control system that adapts to varying load conditions
2Loss of energy
If the washing cycle duration is shortened for lighter loads, then energy and water resources are conserved, but washing quality may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts washing cycle parameters including duration, water temperature, and drum rotation speed based on the detected laundry weight. This ensures that each washing cycle is optimized for the specific load size, maintaining washing quality while conserving resources
3Productivity
If a weighing device is installed to detect laundry weight, then cycle duration can be optimized, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The washing machine uses its existing structure (drum, motor, control unit) to detect laundry weight through electrical parameters such as motor current or drum rotation characteristics. This self-service approach eliminates the need for separate expensive weighing devices while still enabling weight-based cycle optimization
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces traditional mechanical weighing devices with electrical sensing methods. The control unit detects laundry weight by measuring electrical parameters (current, power consumption, or motor torque) during drum rotation, substituting complex mechanical weighing mechanisms with simpler electrical sensing
4Loss of energy
If weight-based duration adjustment is implemented, then resource efficiency improves, but user convenience may be reduced due to additional measurement steps
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically detects laundry weight and adjusts the washing cycle duration without requiring any user input or action. The control unit performs all measurements and calculations autonomously, maintaining ease of operation while achieving resource efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit continuously monitors washing progress and provides feedback to the user interface, displaying the optimized cycle duration based on detected weight. This transparent feedback mechanism maintains user confidence and convenience while implementing resource-efficient operation
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a method to control a washing machine, the washing machine (1) including a tub (5) and a drum (6), the drum being rotatably mounted inside the tub and apt to contain laundry to be washed, the method comprising: - setting a washing cycle among a plurality of washing cycles (1F); - calculating a first weight of the laundry in the drum before water is supplied to the drum and/or tub (4F); - comparing the first weight to a first threshold (6F); - calculating a first duration of the set washing cycle on the basis of said first weight; - displaying said first duration (5F); - if said first weight is above the first threshold, then the method further includes: i. introducing water into the tub; ii. calculating a second weight of the laundry present into the drum (9F); iii. calculating a second duration of the set washing cycle on the basis of said second weight; iv. displaying said second duration (10F); - and, if said first weight is below or equal to the first threshold, then the method further includes: i. gradually updating said first duration while executing said washing cycle (8F), without calculating the second duration.