Washing machine and controlling method
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional washing machines consume excessive water and energy, especially during heat washing, and can damage delicate fabrics due to excessive water and friction, while existing foam washing technologies require sufficient water and multiple heaters.
Innovation Solution
A washing machine with a foaming device that adjusts its operation based on laundry weight, alternates heating and foaming to maintain optimal water temperature, and uses a control unit to manage water levels and temperature sensors to optimize foam generation and heat transmission, reducing water consumption and energy use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If conventional washing machines fill the space between water tub and drum with washing water, then washing coverage is improved, but water consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state of water from liquid washing water to foam, which has different properties (higher detergent concentration, different flow characteristics). This allows effective washing with reduced water quantity while maintaining washing coverage through the foam structure and distribution properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a foaming device that uses air injection to transform liquid detergent solution into foam. This pneumatic process allows the washing medium to be delivered in a foam state directly to the drum, reducing the need to fill the entire water tub space with liquid water while maintaining effective washing coverage.
2Temperature
If heating device heats up increased amount of supplied water, then washing temperature is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
By changing water to foam, the total water volume is reduced while maintaining the temperature requirement for effective washing. The foam structure allows concentrated detergent delivery with less water, reducing the thermal mass that needs heating and thus lowering energy consumption while maintaining optimal washing temperature.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of heating large amounts of water to fill the entire tub space, the system heats only the necessary amount of detergent solution that will be converted to foam. This partial heating approach provides sufficient temperature for effective washing without the excessive energy required to heat the full volume of conventional washing water.
3Reliability
If drum rotation and water friction are used for washing, then washing action is improved, but delicate fabrics are damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the washing medium from liquid water to foam, which has different mechanical properties. Foam is softer and more cushioning, reducing the harmful friction and impact forces on delicate fabrics while maintaining effective washing action through the foam structure and detergent concentration. The foam can penetrate fabrics more gently yet effectively.
4Temperature
If multiple heaters are used for heating soap solution and air separately, then heating completeness is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the heating function into a single heating device that heats the detergent solution before it enters the foaming chamber. The air injection for foam generation is separate from heating, eliminating the need for a second heater. This single heating approach provides sufficient temperature control for effective foam washing while reducing device complexity compared to heating both solution and air separately.
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 reduces water and energy consumption while maintaining optimal washing efficiency and protecting delicate fabrics by ensuring efficient heat transmission through alternating foaming and heating operations.
Implementation Method 1
a heating device, and a control unit. The washing machine uses the foaming device to generate foam and uses the heating device to heat the detergent water
Implementation Method 2
a water level sensor, and a temperature sensor
Implementation Method 3
a water level sensor, and a temperature sensor
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A
AI summary
Disclosed are a washing machine and a controlling method, capable of maintaining an optimal temperature for efficient generation of foam to perform foam washing that uses a large amount of foam in washing laundry, thereby accomplishing optimal washing efficiency. The controlling method for the washing machine according to the present invention comprises supplying washing water with detergent required to generate foam, generating foam using detergent water which is a mixture of the washing water and the detergent, transmitting heat to the generated foam by heating the detergent water, and washing laundry using the foam.