Washing Machine Pump-Based Water Flow Sensing for Adaptive Cycles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional washing machines require an additional flow meter to measure wash water flow rate, and they lack the ability to automatically sense the type of laundry for adaptive cycle control.
Innovation Solution
A control method utilizing a circulation pump as a flow meter to measure wash water flow rate, which includes integrating the pump's rotations and current measurement to calculate the water amount, and a water level sensing unit to determine the amount of water absorbed by the laundry, allowing for adaptive cycle adjustments based on laundry type.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If an additional flow meter is mounted on the flow channel to measure wash water flow rate, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The circulation pump is designed to perform dual functions: water circulation during washing and flow rate measurement during rinsing. The controller distinguishes between these modes and utilizes the pump's rotation data for measurement purposes, eliminating the need for a dedicated flow meter
Solution Approach 2:
The circulation pump serves itself by providing measurement capability through its own operational parameters (rotation count and current consumption). The system uses the pump's inherent characteristics to measure flow rate without requiring external measurement devices
2Measurement precision
If wash water is supplied to measure flow rate using a circulation pump, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases due to additional measurement steps
Solution Approach 1:
The circulation pump continues to operate continuously during the rinsing cycle without interruption. The measurement process occurs concurrently with the water circulation function, eliminating separate measurement steps and associated time delays
3Productivity
If the circulation pump is used to supply wash water to the inner tub, then productivity is improved by eliminating additional flow meter installation, but measurement precision may deteriorate due to pump variability
Solution Approach 1:
The controller continuously monitors the circulation pump's current consumption and rotation count, using this feedback data to calculate and track the actual water flow rate. This real-time monitoring compensates for pump variability and ensures accurate measurement
Solution Approach 2:
The system measures flow rate by monitoring changes in the pump's operational parameters (current and rotation speed) rather than relying on a fixed calibration. This dynamic parameter-based measurement adapts to varying pump conditions and maintains 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 precise measurement and control of wash water without wetting the laundry, optimizing washing and spin-drying cycles based on the amount and type of laundry, enhancing efficiency and effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
a circulation pump for supplying wash water discharged from the outer tub to the inner tub
Implementation Method 2
sensing a level of the wash water in the outer tub through a water level sensing unit
Implementation Method 3
calculating the amount of wash water absorbed by the laundry placed in the inner tub
Data Source
AI summary
A washing machine and a control method thereof including supplying wash water into a space defined between an outer tub and an inner tub without wetting the laundry placed in the inner tub, operating the circulation pump to supply water from the outer tub to the inner tub, measuring a current value supplied to a circulation pump, stopping the operation of the circulation pump based on the measured current value, and calculating the amount of wash water supplied by the circulation pump based on the number of rotations of the circulation pump integrated until that time.