Washing Machine Load Estimation Using Water Absorption Rates
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fully automatic washing machines face inaccuracies and increased costs due to the need for multiple weight sensors to measure clothing weight precisely, while using fewer sensors results in significant measurement errors.
Innovation Solution
A method that calculates clothing weight by measuring the amount of filling water required to soak the clothes, using a water quantity sensor and pre-determined water absorption rates for different materials, allowing the central control unit to determine the weight and adjust washing parameters accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple weight sensor devices are provided to achieve exact measurement of clothing weight, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the weight measurement function from direct mechanical sensing and replaces it with an indirect measurement method using water absorption characteristics. Instead of using multiple weight sensors, the system uses a single water quantity sensor to measure filling water amount, which correlates to clothing weight through material-specific absorption rates stored in the control unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces water as an intermediary substance to indirectly measure clothing weight. The water absorption process serves as a mediator between the clothing items and the measurement system, allowing weight determination through water quantity measurement rather than direct mechanical sensing.
2Ease of manufacture
If a single weight sensor device is provided to reduce device complexity and cost, then ease of manufacture is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the mechanical weight sensing system with a hydraulic measurement system. Instead of using mechanical weight sensors that require complex assembly, the system uses water filling and quantity measurement, which can be implemented with simpler, more cost-effective components while maintaining or improving measurement accuracy.
3Device complexity
If pulse number measurement or revolution measurement is used to determine clothing weight, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates due to large error deviations
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces water as an intermediary substance to indirectly measure clothing weight. The water absorption process serves as a mediator between the clothing items and the measurement system, allowing weight determination through water quantity measurement rather than direct mechanical sensing.
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 approach provides more accurate weight measurements than traditional methods, is simpler and less costly in construction, and effectively controls water consumption and washing times based on the weight and material of the clothing.
Implementation Method 1
the amount of filling water is measured, at which the items of clothing in the washing machine are completely soaked. The weight of the clothing can be calculated according to the amount of filling water and the values obtained in experiments regarding the water absorption rates of clothing made of different materials
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention concerns a method for determining the weight (Q) of clothes introduced in the drum (3) of a washing machine, correlated with the amount of filling water. The method is characterized in that an amount of filling water (W) is introduced and determined until a level of water (L) is reached at which the clothes can be entirely soaked in water. Therefor, the type of clothes material selected by means of a button for selecting clothes materials located on a control panel is determined preferably by a device (M2) for identifying the water absorption rate (A), the water absorption rate (A) being selected based on the type of clothes material selected. The weight (Q) of clothes is determined by means of a device controlling (9) the washing machine by comparing the amount of water introduced (W) and the amounts of filling water of an allocating unit (M3) whereby a predetermined correlation based on the water absorption rate (A) can be determined between the amounts of filling water and the amounts of load, or calculated on the basis of the water absorption rate (A) and an amount of water absorbed (W_ab) by the clothes. The present invention also concerns other embodiments for determining the amount of filling water (W) and for determining the weight (Q). It further concerns a washing machine for implementing said method.