Washing machine and controlling method thereof

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Solution Overview

Problem

Washing machines face inefficiencies in energy consumption and maintenance due to the need for periodic cleaning functions, which can lead to contamination and mechanical deterioration, and existing solutions do not effectively address these issues.

Innovation Solution

A washing machine with a spin basket, driving unit, sensor, and processor that performs a cleaning course by supplying water and rotating the spin basket to remove contaminants, while also diagnosing and displaying information on the machine's condition, optimizing energy use and maintenance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the washing machine performs a cleaning function to remove contaminants and bacteria, then the hygiene of the washing machine is improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovehygieneVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The washing machine performs self-diagnosis and self-cleaning using its own resources (water supply system, drainage system, motor, sensors) without requiring external intervention or separate maintenance equipment. The control unit automatically executes cleaning programs based on sensor feedback, enabling the system to maintain its own hygiene.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The washing machine's existing components (water supply valve, drainage pump, motor, sensors) are utilized for dual purposes: normal washing operations and self-cleaning/diagnosis operations. This multi-functionality allows the system to maintain hygiene without requiring dedicated cleaning hardware, thereby avoiding additional energy consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Productivity

If the washing machine performs mechanical operations such as opening and closing valves and rotating the spin basket, then the washing function is achieved, but the machine deteriorates over time

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewashing functionVSAvoidmachine durability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit executes diagnosis and cleaning operations at predetermined intervals or before major usage cycles. By performing maintenance actions in advance (cleaning the spin basket, checking valve operations, monitoring motor performance), the system prevents accumulation of contaminants and potential failures that would otherwise occur during normal washing operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

Sensors continuously monitor the operating conditions of valves, motor, and spin basket during both washing and cleaning cycles. The control unit receives this feedback and adjusts operations to avoid excessive wear, detect anomalies early, and trigger maintenance routines when degradation is detected, thereby extending machine life.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Reliability

If the washing machine performs a cleaning function periodically, then contaminants are removed, but the time required for cleaning increases energy consumption

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovecleanlinessVSAvoidcleaning time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit automatically initiates cleaning and diagnosis cycles at predetermined intervals based on usage patterns or time schedules. This periodic maintenance prevents contaminant buildup without requiring continuous operation, optimizing the balance between cleanliness and energy/time consumption by performing cleaning only when necessary.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic 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

The solution enables self-diagnosis and cleaning of the washing machine, reducing energy consumption and maintenance costs by maintaining the machine in an optimal state and improving the accuracy of weight detection and estimated washing time.

Implementation Method 1

the processor is configured to perform the cleaning course by controlling the driving unit to supply the wash water to the spin basket and rotate the spin basket filled with the wash water

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRotational motion:

Implementation Method 2

a sensor configured to detect an operation of the washing machine

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSensor detection:

Data Source

PatentUS12123124B2Washing machine and controlling method thereof

Publication Date: 2024.10.22 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

A washing machine and a method for controlling thereof. A washing machine including a spin basket, the washing machine including a driving unit configured to rotate the spin basket, a sensor configured to detect an operation of the washing machine, a display configured to display information, and a processor configured to, based on a user command for managing the washing machine being received, perform a cleaning course for cleaning the spin basket, obtain diagnosis information regarding the washing machine using the sensor while the cleaning course is performed, and display the obtained diagnosis information on the display. The processor is configured to perform the cleaning course by controlling the driving unit to supply wash water to the spin basket and rotate the spin basket filled with the wash water.