Washer Drum Load Detection for Pre-Cycle Time Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional laundry treating apparatuses fail to inform users of the estimated execution time before starting a cycle, limiting user control over execution time and preventing active adjustments, and require longer detection times, which delays displaying the execution time and hinders user convenience.
Innovation Solution
A laundry treating apparatus that detects the laundry amount by rotating the drum less than one rotation, allowing for immediate display of the execution time and enabling users to adjust the cycle time within predetermined limits, maintaining washing and dewatering effects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the drum is rotated multiple times to detect laundry amount, then the detection accuracy is improved, but the detection time increases and user convenience deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary laundry amount detection before the washing cycle starts by rotating the drum less than one rotation, allowing users to see the execution time and make adjustments before committing to the cycle
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of rotating the drum multiple times (excessive action), the system rotates the drum only partially (less than one rotation), which is sufficient to detect laundry amount through weight sensing without requiring full rotations
2Ease of operation
If the execution time is displayed after the cycle starts, then the system operation is simplified, but user control over execution time is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system displays the estimated execution time before the washing cycle starts, allowing users to review the time and add or remove laundry if needed, providing adaptability while maintaining simple operation
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides feedback to users about the detected laundry amount and calculated execution time before cycle execution, enabling users to make informed decisions about whether to proceed or adjust the laundry load
3Loss of time
If the drum is rotated less than one rotation to detect laundry amount, then the detection time is reduced and user convenience is improved, but the detection accuracy may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces mechanical drum rotation-based detection with an electronic weight sensing mechanism that can accurately measure laundry amount without requiring the drum to complete full rotations, achieving both speed and accuracy
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
Enables users to control and adjust cycle times, providing immediate information on execution time and detergent needs, reducing delays and improving user convenience by detecting the laundry amount quickly and displaying it before cycle execution.
Implementation Method 1
a calculating step of calculating a weight of the laundry by measuring a current value applied to or output from the drive portion while performing the rotating step
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a clothes treatment apparatus and a control method therefor, the apparatus being capable of receiving a command that changes the execution time of a course or option for performing washing or drying, and being capable of extending or shortening the execution time if the command is input.