Top-Load Washing Machine Water Splatter Detection and RPM Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Washing machines face issues with water splattering, which can lead to malfunction and unsanitary conditions due to bacterial growth, and there is a need for accurate detection and reduction of splattered wash water, especially in top-loading machines where deformation occurs during rotation.
Innovation Solution
A washing machine design featuring an electrode sensor on the base to detect splattered water, coupled with a control unit that reduces the RPM of the inner tub to lower the rising height of wash water, and a water collection system with an inclined surface to direct and collect splattered water, preventing further splashing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the inner tub rotates at high speed to form centrifugal water circulation, then washing performance is improved, but wash water splatters from the outer tub
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit pre-positions the electrode sensor on the base at locations where water is likely to splatter based on predicted splatter patterns from tub deformation. This preliminary arrangement of detection components enables immediate detection when splatter occurs, allowing the system to respond by reducing RPM to prevent further splattering while maintaining washing effectiveness
2Measurement precision
If the electrode sensor is positioned to detect splattered water, then detection accuracy is improved, but the sensor may be affected by water accumulation
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode sensor is positioned vertically on the base at a specific height above the base surface, rather than being placed directly on the surface. This vertical positioning in another dimension allows the sensor to detect water that has splattered and accumulated on the base while preventing direct contact between the sensor and accumulated water, thereby maintaining both detection accuracy and sensor reliability
3Object-generated harmful factors
If the RPM of the inner tub is reduced to lower water rising height, then water splatter is reduced, but washing efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit implements periodic monitoring of the electrode sensor during the washing cycle. When splatter is detected, the RPM is temporarily reduced to prevent further splattering. Once the splatter condition resolves, the RPM is restored to normal levels. This periodic adjustment of rotation speed allows the system to maintain high washing efficiency during normal operation while temporarily reducing speed only when necessary to control water splatter
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
Accurately detects and reduces the amount of splattered wash water, preventing malfunctions and bacterial growth, while maintaining effective washing performance by adjusting the tub's rotation speed and directing splashed water effectively.
Implementation Method 1
an electrode sensor that is disposed on the base to detect the wash water splattered out of the outer tub
Implementation Method 2
a phenomenon in which a large amount of the wash water is splattered from the washing tube in a specific direction due to partial deformation of the washing tub caused by the rotation of the washing tub
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are a washing machine and a washing method. The washing machine includes a cabinet, an outer tub disposed in the cabinet and provided with an opened top through which wash water is supplied into the outer tub, an inner tub that is disposed in the outer tub to receive laundry and rotates about a vertical axis, a base that supports the cabinet and stores the wash water that is splattered from the outer tub by rotation of the inner tub, and an electrode sensor that is disposed on the base to detect the wash water splattered out of the outer tub.