Washing machine and control method and device thereof

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Solution Overview

Problem

In steam washing modes of washing machines, water entering the inner tub through holes in the tub wall causes clothes to become wet and aggregated, hindering steam absorption, lowering steam effect and sterilization efficiency.

Innovation Solution

The inner tub is rotated at a high speed during water feeding to prevent water from entering, and a heating device in the outer tub generates steam, with controlled rotational speeds to optimize steam distribution and absorption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If the drum is stopped during the washing cycle to save energy, then energy consumption is reduced, but washing quality deteriorates due to sedimentation of detergent and clothes piling up

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy consumptionVSAvoidwashing quality
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The drum performs periodic small-amplitude rotations (forward and backward) during the washing cycle instead of stopping completely. This periodic motion prevents sedimentation of detergent and clothes piling up while consuming minimal energy, thereby maintaining washing quality without significant energy consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

2Reliability

If the drum rotates at high speed to improve washing quality, then washing quality improves, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewashing qualityVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of rotating at full high speed, the drum performs partial rotation with small amplitude forward and backward motions. This partial action is sufficient to maintain washing quality by preventing sedimentation and piling, while consuming significantly less energy than full high-speed rotation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Use of energy by moving object

If the washing machine uses traditional stop-start operation to save energy, then energy consumption is reduced, but washing time increases due to repeated stopping and starting

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy consumptionVSAvoidwashing time
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The drum maintains continuous motion throughout the washing cycle by performing small-amplitude forward and backward rotations without stopping. This continuous action eliminates time loss from repeated stopping and starting while maintaining energy efficiency through minimal rotation amplitude.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

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

Prevents clothes wetting, enhances steam absorption, and improves wrinkle removal and sterilization effectiveness by ensuring uniform steam distribution and contact with clothes.

Implementation Method 1

A washing machine 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a control device 120 configured to control operations of the washing machine 100. The control device 120 may perform fuzzy logic control.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFuzzy logic:

Implementation Method 2

The control device 120 may calculate a standard deviation S of the washing results. The control device 120 may determine whether to perform additional washing based on the calculated standard deviation S.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectStandard deviation calculation:

Data Source

PatentEP4328370B1Washing machine and control method and device thereof
Publication Date: 2026.05.06 WUXI LITTLE SWAN ELECTRIC CO LTD
  • EP4328370B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4328370B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP4328370B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A washing machine and a control method and device thereof. The washing machine comprises: an inner drum, a heating device and an outer drum provided outside the inner drum, and the heating device is configured to heat water entering the outer drum. The control method of the washing machine comprises: after a preset steam program is started, starting to feed water to the outer drum, and controlling the inner drum of the washing machine to rotate at a first rotation speed r1; stopping feeding water when a water level in the outer drum rises to a first set water level; and controlling the heating device to start heating to generate steam, and treating the clothes in the inner drum by using the steam.