Washing Machine Load Sensing Using Water Level and Fill Volume
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing washing machines require manual operator input to select laundry amounts, which can be inaccurate and cumbersome, as they do not precisely measure the actual weight of laundry and need to be reset for each wash cycle.
Innovation Solution
A control system with a first detecting component to measure the amount of liquid delivered and a second component to detect the liquid level in the wash tub, coupled with a controller that calculates the laundry amount based on received signals, allowing for automatic estimation and adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If manual selection of laundry amount levels is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision of laundry weight deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical selection with an automated sensing system. The controller uses detecting components to automatically sense and measure the actual laundry amount in the tub, substituting the mechanical operator action with an automated sensing and calculation system that determines laundry weight based on liquid level and fill amount measurements.
2Ease of operation
If manual selection of laundry amount is required, then the ease of operation is reduced, but the device complexity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service by automatically detecting and measuring the laundry amount without operator intervention. The controller autonomously uses the detecting components to sense the liquid level and calculate the actual laundry weight, eliminating the need for manual operator input and making the machine self-sufficient in determining wash parameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring the liquid level in the tub during the fill cycle and using this information to calculate the actual laundry amount. The controller receives feedback from the detecting components and adjusts its determination of laundry weight based on the measured liquid level changes, creating a closed-loop system that automatically adapts to the actual load conditions.
3Ease of operation
If predetermined laundry levels are used, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability of laundry amount indication deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the unreliable predetermined level selection with a reliable automated measurement system. The controller uses detecting components to directly sense the actual laundry amount through liquid level measurement, substituting the indirect and imprecise predetermined levels with direct measurement that accurately reflects the true laundry weight in the tub.
4Loss of time
If operator input is required for each wash cycle, then the loss of time increases, but the ease of manufacture is improved
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by automatically detecting and storing information about the laundry amount at the beginning of each wash cycle without requiring operator input. The controller proactively measures the liquid level and calculates the laundry weight before the wash process begins, eliminating the time-consuming manual selection step and preparing the wash parameters in advance.
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 enables accurate and automatic determination of laundry weight, reducing operator error and simplifying the washing process by automatically managing detergent and dry cleaning fluid usage, and scheduling maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
a first detecting component configured to detect an amount of the liquid delivered into the wash tub
Implementation Method 2
a second detecting component configured to detect a liquid level in the wash tub
Implementation Method 3
The controller is configured to receive signals from the detecting components and calculate an amount of the laundry positioned within the wash tub based on the received signals
Data Source
AI summary
A control system for a home appliance includes a cabinet, a wash tub positioned within the cabinet and configured to receive laundry therein, and a fill device configured to deliver liquid into the tub. The control system includes a first detecting component configured to detect an amount of the liquid delivered into the wash tub, a second detecting component configured to detect a liquid level in the wash tub, and a controller operatively coupled with the detecting components. The controller is configured to receive signals from the detecting components and calculate an amount of the laundry positioned within the wash tub based on the received signals.