Washing Liquid Reservoir Control for Energy-Efficient Washing Machines
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Solution Overview
Problem
The washing effect in washing machines is influenced by the type and composition of laundry, leading to varying absorption of washing liquid, which can result in excessive liquid during heating processes, potentially deteriorating the wash quality or increasing energy consumption.
Innovation Solution
A method where washing liquid is partially routed from the tub to a water reservoir before and after process steps, ensuring optimal liquid levels and efficient energy use by adjusting the pump to maintain predetermined level limits, allowing for consistent washing effects and reduced energy consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If washing liquid is heated to improve washing effect, then washing quality is improved, but energy consumption increases due to excessive washing liquid in the tub
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts superfluous washing liquid from the tub by routing it to a water reservoir before the heating process. This reduces the volume of liquid that needs to be heated, thereby decreasing energy consumption while maintaining optimal washing effect through controlled liquid levels.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary routing of washing liquid to the reservoir before the heating process starts. This preliminary action ensures that only the necessary amount of washing liquid remains in the tub, preventing excessive energy consumption during heating while guaranteeing sufficient liquid for effective washing.
2Use of energy by moving object
If washing liquid is routed to water reservoir before process step, then energy consumption is reduced, but washing effect may deteriorate due to insufficient liquid
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs feedback control where sensors detect the volume of washing liquid in the tub and automatically adjust the routing to the reservoir. This ensures that the liquid level is maintained within optimal ranges, preventing both excessive liquid (wasting energy) and insufficient liquid (deteriorating washing effect).
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of washing liquid volume in the tub by dynamically routing liquid to the reservoir based on detected volume thresholds. This parameter adjustment ensures optimal conditions for heating processes, balancing energy efficiency with effective washing performance.
3Productivity
If pump speed is increased to route washing liquid faster, then process efficiency is improved, but washing liquid may escape from reservoir before returning to tub
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses dynamic control of pump speed rather than a fixed high speed. The pump operates at variable speeds based on real-time conditions, ensuring liquid is routed efficiently to the reservoir and returned appropriately, preventing escape while maintaining process efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses feedback from level sensors in both the tub and reservoir to control pump operation. This feedback mechanism ensures the pump only operates when appropriate liquid levels exist, preventing over-pumping that would cause liquid to escape the reservoir, while maintaining efficient process operation.
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 method provides a washing effect independent of laundry type and composition, reduces energy consumption, and enhances mixing of laundry and washing liquid, ensuring efficient heating processes and optimal washing times.
Implementation Method 1
a pump is arranged between the tub and the water reservoir, which pumps the washing liquid from the tub into the water reservoir when activated
Implementation Method 2
The process step is preferably a heating process in which the washing liquid in the tub is heated
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for operating a washing machine (1) with a tub (2) for holding washing liquid (3) for treating laundry (8) and a water reservoir (12c). Before a process step of a washing phase and/or at least one rinsing phase of a washing program is carried out, the washing liquid (3) is partially routed from the tub (2) into the water reservoir (12c) and after the process step the washing liquid (3) flows out of the water reservoir (12c) at least partially back into the tub (2). The invention also relates to a washing machine (1) with a tub (2) for holding washing liquid (3) and laundry (8), a heater (10) for heating the washing liquid (3) in the tub (2), a water reservoir (12c) for receiving the detergent liquid (3) from the tub (2) and a control device (13, 14) for controlling a washing program. A variable-speed pump (12a) is arranged between the tub (2) and the water reservoir (12c).