Front-Load Washer Control Using Washload Water Absorption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current clothes washing machines lack the ability to automatically determine the qualitative features of the washload, such as water absorption properties, which is essential for optimizing washing programs and minimizing resource usage, despite existing solutions for determining washload weight.
Innovation Solution
The method involves a clothes washing machine with a control system that measures water absorption and release properties under controlled conditions, using a flowmeter and re-circulation manifold to identify the type of textiles based on pre-defined relationships and stored experimental data, allowing for an adaptive 'universal' washing program without user input.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the machine is equipped with automatic washload weight measurement, then the washing program can be optimized based on load quantity, but the machine cannot determine the qualitative features (water absorption properties) of the washload
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces water as an intermediary substance to indirectly measure the qualitative features of the washload. By measuring the amount of water absorbed by the washload under controlled conditions, the system can determine fabric type without directly analyzing the fabric properties. This intermediary measurement approach resolves the contradiction by enabling qualitative assessment through a measurable physical process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces direct mechanical or visual inspection of fabric properties with a hydrological measurement system. Instead of mechanically analyzing fabric structure or visually identifying fabric types, the system uses water absorption measurement - a hydrological property - to infer qualitative features. This substitution enables automatic determination of washload characteristics that were previously unmeasurable.
2Ease of operation
If the machine uses pre-defined washing programs, then the operation is simple, but the program cannot adapt to different washload types and weights
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the washing machine to automatically determine washload characteristics (weight and water absorption properties) and select appropriate washing parameters without user input. The system serves itself by measuring the washload properties and autonomously configuring the washing program, thus maintaining ease of operation while achieving full adaptability to different washload types.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary measurement of washload weight and water absorption properties before the washing cycle begins. By determining the washload characteristics in advance, the system can pre-configure the optimal washing program parameters (water quantity, temperature, cycle duration) before operation starts, ensuring both simplicity for the user and optimization for the specific load.
3Reliability
If the machine increases water usage to ensure adequate washing for all load types, then washing effectiveness is maintained, but resource consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the principle of local quality by tailoring the water quantity and washing parameters to the specific characteristics of each washload. Instead of using a uniform high water quantity for all loads, the system measures the actual water absorption properties of the washload and configures the water supply locally optimized for that specific load type and weight, thereby maintaining washing effectiveness while minimizing water consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically changes washing parameters (water quantity, temperature, cycle duration) based on the measured washload characteristics. By adjusting these parameters according to the actual load properties rather than using fixed high values, the system maintains reliable washing performance across different load types while optimizing resource consumption for each specific case.
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 enables the selection of the most suitable washing program based on the washload's water absorption properties, optimizing resource usage and ensuring optimal washing results with minimal modifications to existing machine designs, maintaining reliability.
Implementation Method 1
measuring of its water absorption values under pre-defined and known conditions
Implementation Method 2
arrangement to circulate the washing liquor
Data Source
AI summary
Household-type front loading and water-recirculating clothes washing machine adapted to automatically measure the nature of the dry clothes loaded in the machine for washing, in which the measurement of such weight of the washload is performed by measuring the amount of water that is absorbed by the clothes in the washload when this is soaked with water to a point at which it is in a dynamic saturation, i.e. steady-state condition. Said measurement of the amount of water absorbed in the clothes is obtained by subtracting the amount of water that is present in the machine, and that does not interact with the washload, from the total amount of water let into the wash tub. The nature of the load of clothes is finally calculated by processing and interpolating the amount of water that is released by said load with respect to the water previously absorbed, and comparing said data with corresponding data relevant to reference textiles, whose nature is known.