Top-Loading Washer Load Sensing for Low-Water Agitation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Front-loading washers face challenges with low water consumption and energy efficiency due to reduced water flow and friction, leading to longer cycles and increased energy use, while top-loading washers consume more water to create effective flow and friction, necessitating a balance between water and energy usage.
Innovation Solution
A high-efficiency washing method that adapts to varying washing conditions by pre-sensing the load, adjusting water levels, and using a vertical axis washer with a specific agitator or propeller to create strong water flow and scrubbing action with minimal water and energy, ensuring effective stain removal and efficient wash cycles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If front-loading washers use small amounts of water, then water consumption is reduced, but wash cycles become longer and energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by varying the rotation speed of the basket throughout different phases of the wash cycle. The basket rotates at different speeds during washing, rinsing, and spinning phases, allowing the system to adapt water flow and mechanical action dynamically. This enables effective washing with reduced water while maintaining reasonable cycle times.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic action through alternating rotation directions and intermittent water injection. The basket rotates forward and backward periodically, and water is injected at specific intervals during the cycle. This periodic pattern enhances water flow through the laundry and improves washing efficiency without requiring continuous high water consumption.
2Loss of substance
If front-loading washers use small amounts of water, then water consumption is reduced, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses dynamic rotation speed control to optimize energy usage. During water injection phases, the basket rotates at moderate speeds to create effective water flow. During draining and spinning phases, rotation speed increases to maximize water removal without requiring additional heating energy. This dynamic adjustment reduces overall energy consumption compared to conventional systems that maintain constant high speeds or require water heating.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces thermal energy (water heating) with mechanical energy (rotation and water flow). Instead of heating water to enhance detergent effectiveness, the system uses mechanical rotation to create strong water currents that force washing solution through the laundry. This substitution eliminates or reduces the need for energy-intensive water heating while maintaining washing effectiveness.
3Force
If top-loading washers use high amounts of water, then water flow and friction are improved, but water consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies hydraulic principles by using pressurized water injection to create strong water flows through the laundry. Water is injected under pressure during specific phases of the cycle, forcing the washing solution through the fabric and creating effective friction and mechanical action. This hydraulic approach generates the necessary washing force using minimal water quantities, avoiding the need for large water volumes used in conventional top-loading washers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses dynamic rotation speed variation to optimize the balance between water consumption and mechanical action. During washing phases, the basket rotates at speeds that create sufficient centrifugal force to press laundry against the walls while allowing water injection to create effective flow and friction. During rinsing and spinning, speeds are adjusted to maximize water removal efficiency. This dynamic control achieves effective friction and water flow with significantly reduced water consumption compared to conventional systems.
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
The method achieves efficient water and energy usage, maintains wash quality, and continues operation even with overloading or jamming issues, providing a balanced solution for both front and top-loading washers.
Implementation Method 1
a basket (10) which rotates concentrically within a tub (11), where said basket is impelled by a motor (21)
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a top loading household washer comprising a cabinet supporting a tub which houses a basket being driven by a motor mechanically coupled to an agitator and to said basket, a clutch, an electric control, a level sensor or pressure switch and a rotor position sensor within the motor (preferably a Hall sensor), a spraying system, characterized by a washing method comprising: check on the water level, initiate a load pre-sensing sequence to later initiate a reshuffling of load sequence, act followed by initiating a load sensing sequence, which determines the water level required to admit, once said water level is reached, a normal agitation sequence is begun; once the normal agitation sequence concludes, it is followed by a load reshuffling sequence to continue with the dehydrating and later rinsing.