Washing Machine Interface Using Water Detection for Cycle Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing washing machines require complex user interfaces with multiple keys or selectors for selecting treatment cycles, which can be cumbersome and increase the overall dimensions and complexity of the machine, while users often prefer a simpler selection process.
Innovation Solution
A laundry washing machine with a control unit that uses detection means to determine the alkalinity or ion concentration of water to automatically select between two treatment cycles associated with a single programming key, eliminating the need for a separate rinsing cycle selection and simplifying the user interface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple keys or selectors are provided for selecting different treatment cycles, then the machine can offer more cycle options and adaptability, but the user interface complexity and overall machine dimensions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The detection means automatically detect water characteristics (alkalinity, ion concentration, hardness) and the control system automatically selects the appropriate treatment cycle based on detected parameters, eliminating the need for manual cycle selection by the user. The machine serves itself by making intelligent decisions about which cycle to execute.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses detection means to measure physical-chemical parameters of water (alkalinity, ion concentration, hardness) and transforms these parameter measurements into automatic cycle selection decisions. The control system changes operational parameters based on detected water characteristics rather than user-selected cycle modes.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple keys or selectors are provided for selecting different treatment cycles, then the machine can offer more cycle options, but the overall machine dimensions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the cycle selection function from the manual user interface and relocates it to an automatic detection and control system. The detection means and control system take over the decision-making process, removing the need for multiple physical selection keys or a large display interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The machine performs self-assessment of water characteristics and self-selection of appropriate treatment cycles, eliminating the need for a complex user interface with multiple selection options. The control system autonomously determines the optimal cycle based on detected parameters.
3Ease of operation
If automatic cycle selection based on water characteristics is implemented, then the user interface is simplified and machine dimensions are reduced, but detection means and control complexity are increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical user interface system (multiple keys, selectors, or large display) with an electronic detection and control system. The mechanical interaction for cycle selection is substituted by electronic sensors that detect water parameters and electronic control logic that automatically selects cycles.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection means act as an intermediary between the water characteristics and the control system. Instead of direct user input determining cycle selection, the detection means mediate by measuring water parameters and translating them into control signals for automatic cycle selection.
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
This solution simplifies the user interface and reduces the machine's dimensions by allowing automatic cycle selection based on water characteristics, eliminating the need for a dedicated rinsing cycle key and enhancing user experience.
Implementation Method 1
detection means for detecting a characteristic of the water charged into the tub, said characteristic representing the presence of a washing agent
Implementation Method 2
detection means to determine the alkalinity or ion concentration of water
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
A washing machine comprises a wash tub (3), charging means (7, 8) for delivering a liquid into the tub (3), draining means (10, 12) for evacuating the liquid from the tub (3), a device for dispensing washing agents (6), and a control system (13, 14, 17). The control system (13, 14, 17) comprises at least: - a control unit (14), configured for managing a plurality of treatment cycles that can be carried out by the machine (1); - memory means (16), in which management programs of the treatment cycles are stored; - programming means (13), for making a manual selection among a plurality of possible selections (13b-13e), there being associated to each selection that can be made via the programming means (13) at least one respective management program; - means (17) for detecting a characteristic of the liquid charged into the tub (3). The control system (13, 14, 17) is designed in such a way that associated to a selection (13b) that can be made via the programming means (13) are two different management programs, corresponding to two different treatment cycles, and the control unit (14) is configured for carrying out one or other of the aforesaid management programs according to a value of said characteristic, obtained via the detection means (17) following upon a first charging of liquid into the tub (3).