Washing Machine Suds Detection and Adaptive Removal Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional washing machines face inefficiencies in suds removal, leading to incomplete detergent removal, excessive water usage, and prolonged cycles due to fixed suds removal methods that do not account for detergent amounts, resulting in motor load issues and suboptimal rinsing and spin-drying performance.
Innovation Solution
A method for a washing machine that senses suds generation through torque variation and drainage time, adjusting water supply and motor operation to optimize suds removal, including a suds removal cycle that dynamically adjusts activity based on residual suds detection, using a combination of water supply, agitation, and drainage operations to minimize water and time consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a predetermined suds removal cycle is repeatedly performed to rapidly remove suds, then suds removal speed is improved, but water consumption increases and detergent may not be completely removed
Solution Approach 1:
The suds removal cycle dynamically adjusts the water supply amount based on the detected suds level. When suds are detected, the system supplies water in controlled amounts (e.g., 5L, 10L, 15L increments) rather than using a fixed predetermined amount, allowing adaptive response to actual suds conditions while optimizing water usage.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously detects suds during the spin-drying cycle using a suds detection device and feeds this information back to control the water supply amount. The controller adjusts subsequent water supply based on detection results, creating a closed-loop control system that prevents both water waste and incomplete suds removal.
2Device complexity
If a predetermined suds removal cycle is performed for a fixed time, then suds removal process is simplified, but time consumption increases when suds are already removed
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses continuous suds detection during the spin-drying cycle to determine when suds have been completely removed. The controller monitors detection results in real-time and terminates the suds removal cycle immediately when no suds are detected, avoiding unnecessary continuation of the cycle and reducing overall time consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically adjusts the suds removal process based on self-detection without requiring external intervention or complex predetermined timing. The controller autonomously decides when to start, continue, or terminate water supply based on suds detection feedback, simplifying the control logic while optimizing time usage.
3Productivity
If a large amount of water is supplied to remove suds generated by excess detergent, then suds removal effectiveness is improved, but rinsing and spin-drying performances deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts water supply amount based on actual suds detection rather than supplying a fixed large amount. The controller increments water supply in controlled steps (5L, 10L, 15L) only when suds are detected, ensuring water is used effectively for actual suds removal while preserving rinsing and spin-drying performance by avoiding excessive water supply.
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 allows for early and effective suds removal using minimal water, reducing unnecessary consumption and improving rinsing and spin-drying performance by dynamically adjusting operations based on residual suds, ensuring efficient detergent removal and preventing motor overload.
Implementation Method 1
sensing a generation of suds by detecting a torque variation of a motor
Implementation Method 2
a water supply operation to supply water into the drum
Implementation Method 3
an agitating operation to rotate the drum
Implementation Method 4
a drainage operation to drain water from the drum
Data Source
AI summary
A washing machine and suds removal method thereof. The suds removal method is designed to effectively remove suds at the earliest possible time using a small amount of water by adjusting an activity of suds when the generation of suds is sensed. The suds removal method includes sensing the generation of suds during a washing cycle, and removing the suds by adjusting the activity of suds when the generation of suds is sensed.