Washer-Dryer Cycle Synchronization for Matched End Times
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing washing and drying systems lack synchronization of program end times between washing machines and dryers, leading to inefficiencies and increased wrinkling of laundry due to asynchronous completion times.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that synchronizes the program end times of washing machines and dryers by coordinating their processes through communication between controllers, adjusting phases and parameters based on remaining cycle times, allowing for simultaneous completion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the washing machine and dryer operate independently without synchronization, then each appliance can complete its cycle at its own optimal time, but the user must visit the appliances multiple times and laundry wrinkles more due to downtime between cycles
Solution Approach 1:
The washing machine controller and dryer controller exchange information about their respective cycle progress and estimated completion times through communication interfaces. The controllers continuously monitor each other's status and adjust cycle parameters in real-time to achieve synchronized completion, eliminating the need for user intervention between appliances.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the control functions of two separate appliances (washing machine and dryer) into a coordinated system where both controllers work together to achieve a common goal of synchronized completion. This merging of control objectives allows the user to interact with the system as a unified entity rather than managing separate cycles.
2Loss of time
If the washing machine extends its cycle to match the dryer's longer duration, then both appliances can complete simultaneously, but the washing process takes longer than necessary
Solution Approach 1:
The controllers dynamically adjust cycle parameters based on real-time monitoring of each appliance's progress. Instead of statically extending the washing cycle, the system continuously adapts the drying cycle parameters (temperature, airflow, duration) to match the washing machine's completion time, allowing optimal washing duration while achieving synchronization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes operational parameters of the drying process (heating power, airflow rate, cycle phases) to adjust the dryer's completion time to match the washing machine. This allows the washing cycle to maintain its optimal duration while the drying parameters are modified to achieve synchronized completion.
3Loss of time
If the dryer uses adjustable heating power to synchronize completion, then end times can be matched, but the dryer becomes more complex and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the drying process multi-functional by combining heating, airflow control, and timing adjustment into a unified system. The dryer controller can achieve synchronization through multiple mechanisms (adjusting heating power, modifying airflow, extending cooling phase) rather than relying on a single method, making the solution adaptable to different dryer configurations.
4Productivity
If asynchronous completion is accepted, then each appliance operates independently and simply, but laundry wrinkles more and rinsing performance deteriorates due to downtime
Solution Approach 1:
The patent ensures continuous useful action by synchronizing the completion of washing and drying cycles so that the laundry transitions directly from the washing machine to the dryer without downtime. This continuous workflow prevents laundry from sitting idle, thereby reducing wrinkling and maintaining optimal rinsing performance.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The invention relates to a washing and drying system comprising: - a washing machine (1) comprising a washing machine control unit (11) configured to control a washing process; - a dryer (2) comprising a dryer control unit (21) configured to control a drying process; - wherein the washing machine (1) and the dryer (2) each have an interface (12, 22) configured to communicate with each other; and - wherein the washing machine control unit (11) and the dryer control unit (12) are configured to determine a remaining time of a washing process and a remaining time of a drying process, which are executed simultaneously, and to control the washing process and/or the drying process depending on the determined remaining times such that their end time is the same or substantially the same.Furthermore, the invention relates to a corresponding method for controlling a washing and drying process of a washing and drying system.