Washer Drum Rinsing Control With Circulated Spray Timing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Laundry treatment machines face inefficiencies in the rinsing operation, particularly in the distribution and circulation of wash fluid, leading to increased operational time and energy consumption.
Innovation Solution
A laundry treatment machine with a controller that coordinates the rotation of the drum and fluid supply/circulation devices to optimize fluid distribution and absorption during rinsing, employing various torque motions and timing controls to minimize resistance and enhance fluid distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the drum rotates at high speed during fluid supply, then fluid distribution is improved, but resistance to drum rotation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The drum rotation is divided into periodic phases: an acceleration phase where the drum rotates at increasing speed during fluid supply, and a deceleration phase where the drum slows down. This periodic speed variation allows the drum to achieve high rotation speed for improved fluid distribution during the acceleration phase, while reducing resistance during the deceleration phase, thus resolving the contradiction between speed and resistance.
2Speed
If the drum rotates during fluid supply, then fluid distribution is enhanced, but operational time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The drum rotation is made continuous throughout the fluid supply period, eliminating idle time where the drum would be stationary. By maintaining continuous rotation during the entire fluid supply phase, the system ensures constant fluid distribution without interruption, improving overall efficiency while minimizing the total time required for the rinsing operation.
3Productivity
If fluid is supplied at high flow rate, then rinsing efficiency is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid supply flow rate is made dynamic rather than constant. The system adjusts the flow rate based on the drum rotation phase: higher flow rates are supplied during the acceleration phase when fluid distribution is most effective, while lower flow rates are used during the deceleration phase. This dynamic adjustment maintains high rinsing efficiency while reducing overall energy consumption compared to a constant high flow rate system.
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 reduces the time required for rinsing operations, thereby improving energy efficiency and operational speed.
Implementation Method 1
a drum (122) configured to receive the laundry (L) and in which the laundry (L) is washed
Implementation Method 2
a wash fluid circulation device (190) that circulates the wash fluid and sprays the circulated wash fluid into the drum (122)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A laundry treatment machine and a washing method therefor are provided. During a rinsing operation, the laundry treatment machine may rotate a drum while supplying fluid into the drum. In addition, the laundry treatment machine may control a fluid circulation device to circulate the fluid, and thus, to spray the circulated fluid into the drum during the rotation of the drum. The drum realizes at least one of first through fourth motions. The laundry treatment machine may perform various rinsing operations in consideration of the fluid level in a tub.