Washing Machine Load Moisture Detection for Adaptive Wash Cycles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Washing machines lack the ability to distinguish between wet and dry laundry loads, leading to inefficient wash cycles that do not optimize water volume, agitation, and other parameters, resulting in suboptimal cleaning and energy performance.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for a washing machine that determines whether a load is wet or dry by measuring fluid volume and level, adjusting wash cycle parameters such as water volume, agitation, and spin time based on the load type, using a controller and sensors to optimize the wash cycle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If washing machine appliances use fixed wash cycle parameters, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability to different load conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the articles themselves as the detection mechanism. Wet articles remain stationary while dry articles rotate with the wash basket, allowing the system to self-detect load moisture without external sensors or complex detection devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The wash basket performs a preliminary rotation at a first speed before the main wash cycle to enable detection of article moisture status. This preliminary action allows the system to determine whether articles are wet or dry before committing to a specific wash cycle parameter set.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the washing machine optimizes wash cycle parameters for wet loads, then energy efficiency is improved, but the cleaning effectiveness for dry loads deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The wash cycle parameters are made dynamic and adjustable based on detected load conditions. The system transitions from fixed parameters to variable parameters that adapt to whether the load is wet or dry, optimizing both energy efficiency and cleaning effectiveness for each condition.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters (water volume, agitation intensity, cycle duration) based on the detected moisture status of the load. Wet loads receive reduced water volume and modified agitation, while dry loads receive standard parameters, ensuring optimal cleaning effectiveness for each condition.
3Ease of operation
If the washing machine uses standard water volume for all loads, then the ease of operation is maintained, but the loss of substance (water waste) increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs a preliminary detection rotation to determine load moisture status before the main wash cycle begins. This allows water volume to be optimized based on actual load conditions without requiring complex user input or manual adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from observing article movement during the preliminary rotation to automatically adjust water volume. Wet articles provide feedback that they are already moist, triggering reduced water dispensing, while dry articles trigger standard water volume.
Data Source
AI summary
A washing machine appliance and a method for operating a washing machine appliance are provided. The method includes steps to determine whether articles received in the washing machine appliance for washing were wet when loaded into the washing machine appliance such that one or more parameters of a wash cycle may be adjusted. The washing machine appliance includes features for determining whether articles received in the washing machine appliance for washing were wet when loaded into the washing machine appliance and for adjusting one or more parameters of a wash cycle.