Washing Machine Temperature Control for Gentle, Uniform Heating

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional washing machines fail to optimize washing efficiency and reduce laundry damage due to variations in wash water temperature and amount based on laundry material, leading to non-uniform heating and potential damage to delicate items.

Innovation Solution

A washing machine control method that detects wash water temperature and adjusts motor operation rate and washing time based on initial temperature, temperature changes, and material-specific rise rates to ensure optimal heating and force application at every temperature step, using a temperature sensor and control unit to manage wash water temperature and operation parameters.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If the same algorithm is executed irrespective of initial water temperature, the change of the wash water temperature, or the rise rate of the wash water temperature, then the control system is simple, but optimal heating and machine force application cannot be achieved

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol system complexityVSAvoidwashing efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The control system dynamically adjusts the washing algorithm based on real-time temperature detection. The control unit modifies motor operation rates and washing time according to the detected wash water temperature, initial temperature, temperature changes, and material-specific rise rates, transforming a static control system into a dynamic one that adapts to varying thermal conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes multiple parameters including motor operation rate, washing time, and heating power based on temperature parameters. By detecting wash water temperature, initial temperature, temperature changes, and rise rates, the system adjusts these parameters to achieve optimal heating and machine force application at every temperature step.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Device complexity

If the amount of wash water is not adjusted according to laundry material, then the washing process is simple, but uniform wash water temperature cannot be maintained

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewashing process complexityVSAvoidwash water temperature uniformity

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit continuously detects wash water temperature, initial temperature, temperature changes, and rise rates, then uses this feedback information to adjust the heating process. This closed-loop feedback system ensures uniform wash water temperature by compensating for variations based on laundry material and amount.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Device complexity

If motor operation rate and washing time are not adjusted based on temperature, then the control process is simple, but laundry damage occurs due to non-uniform heating

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol process complexityVSAvoidlaundry damage

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The motor operation rate and washing time are dynamically adjusted based on detected temperature parameters. The control unit modifies these parameters at every temperature step according to the wash water temperature, initial temperature, temperature changes, and rise rates, ensuring optimal machine force application that prevents laundry damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Reliability

If washing time is extended to ensure thorough washing, then washing completeness improves, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewashing completenessVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The washing time and motor operation rate are optimized by changing parameters based on temperature detection. The control unit adjusts these parameters to achieve thorough washing in minimal time by applying optimal machine force at each temperature step, reducing energy consumption while ensuring washing completeness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 achieves uniform wash water heating, reduces laundry damage, and enhances washing efficiency by adapting to the specific load and material characteristics, ensuring optimal washing performance and energy savings.

Implementation Method 1

detecting wash water temperature

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTemperature detection:

Implementation Method 2

in the case of heated washing, time necessary for wash water temperature to rise to a desired wash water temperature varies

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeating: Heating

Data Source

PatentUS9045852B2Washing machine and washing control method of the same

Publication Date: 2015.06.02 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

A washing machine and a washing control method of the same capable of controlling a degree of application of the machine force at every temperature step according to the selected washing course based on information, such as the amount of load detected in the beginning of washing and the amount of wash water detected by the rise change of the wash water temperature during washing, thereby reducing damage to laundry during washing and accomplishing optimal washing efficiency. The washing control method includes detecting wash water temperature and controlling a motor operation rate or a washing time based on the detected wash water temperature.