Washing machine and control method therefor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional washing machines fail to effectively address severe contamination and dye transfer during laundry cycles, leading to inadequate washing and potential damage to other clothes.
Innovation Solution
A washing machine equipped with a sensor that emits white light including infrared (IR) and receives visible and infrared light to determine turbidity and color of the washing water, allowing the processor to control operations such as additional washing or dye transfer prevention based on predetermined levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the washing machine performs only the washing operation according to the user-set method, then the operation follows the preset program, but the laundry cannot be properly washed when contamination is severe
Solution Approach 1:
The washing machine uses a sensor to detect turbidity and color of washing water in real-time, providing feedback to the control unit. Based on this feedback, the control unit dynamically adjusts the washing program, extending washing time or increasing agitation intensity when contamination is detected, thereby ensuring effective washing while maintaining ease of operation through automatic adaptation
Solution Approach 2:
The washing machine transitions from a static, fixed washing program to a dynamic, adaptive washing process. The control unit continuously monitors washing water conditions and adjusts washing parameters (time, intensity, water flow) in real-time based on detected contamination levels, making the washing process flexible and responsive to actual laundry needs
2Productivity
If the washing machine continues the washing operation when dye transfer occurs, then the washing process completes according to schedule, but other laundry may be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor detects color changes in the washing water that indicate dye transfer from laundry. This information is fed back to the control unit, which then interrupts or modifies the washing cycle to prevent further dye transfer damage, such as by separating affected items or adjusting washing intensity, while still completing the washing process for unaffected items
Solution Approach 2:
The system proactively detects early signs of dye transfer through color monitoring and takes preventive action before significant damage occurs to other laundry. By identifying color changes in the washing water early in the cycle, the control unit can adjust parameters or alert the user to prevent extensive dye transfer damage
3Device complexity
If the washing machine uses only visible light detection, then the device complexity is low, but it cannot accurately determine both turbidity and color of washing water
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor integrates multiple detection functions into a single device by combining visible light detection (for color) and infrared light detection (for turbidity) capabilities. This merged sensor structure enables simultaneous measurement of both color and turbidity parameters without requiring separate detection systems, maintaining device simplicity while achieving comprehensive washing water analysis
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor is designed as a multi-functional device that can detect multiple parameters (color and turbidity) using a single sensor unit. By making the sensor universal in its detection capabilities, the system achieves accurate measurement of both washing water properties without increasing overall device complexity, as one sensor performs multiple measurement functions
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 laundry damage from dye transfer and ensures thorough washing even in severe contamination cases by dynamically adjusting washing operations based on real-time turbidity and color analysis.
Implementation Method 1
receive visible light of a specific wavelength and infrared light of a specific wavelength which are reflected by the washing water or transmitted through the washing water among the white light emitted to the washing water
Implementation Method 2
determine turbidity value and color of the washing water based on intensity and patterns of the visible and infrared light of the specific wavelengths which are received from the sensor
Data Source
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AI summary
A washing machine and a control method therefor are disclosed. The washing machine comprises: a sensor for emitting white light, which includes infrared (IR) light, at washing water and receiving, from the white light emitted at the washing water, visible light of a specific wavelength and infrared light of a specific wavelength, which are reflected by the washing water or penetrate the washing water; and a processor for determining turbidity and the color of the washing water on the basis of the intensity and patterns of the visible light and the infrared light of the specific wavelengths, which are received from the sensor, and controlling an operation of the washing machine on the basis of the turbidity and the color of the washing water.