Washing machine appliance load type detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Washing machine appliances face issues with load imbalance due to non-shedding articles, which can cause excessive noise, vibration, or motion during spin cycles, as wash liquid is retained and rapidly displaced, shifting the center of mass and increasing the likelihood of out-of-balance conditions.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for detecting non-shedding loads by measuring the weight of articles before and after a water extraction operation, determining the load type based on weight differences, and adjusting spin speeds or redistributing the load to prevent imbalance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the basket rotates at high speed during spin cycle, then water extraction efficiency is improved, but load imbalance and vibration increase due to rapid displacement of wash liquid from non-shedding articles
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of non-shedding articles before the spin cycle using image processing and weight measurement. Based on this early detection, it pre-adjusts spin speed parameters and performs preliminary load redistribution, preventing the harmful effects of rapid water displacement before they occur during high-speed rotation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts spin speed based on detected load characteristics. Instead of using a fixed high speed, the controller modulates the rotational speed in real-time, reducing speed when non-shedding articles are detected to prevent sudden water displacement, thereby maintaining water extraction efficiency while minimizing vibration and noise.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If spin speed is limited to prevent imbalance, then noise and vibration are reduced, but water extraction efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of non-shedding articles before the spin cycle using image processing and weight measurement. Based on this early detection, it pre-adjusts spin speed parameters and performs preliminary load redistribution, preventing the harmful effects of rapid water displacement before they occur during high-speed rotation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from weight sensors and image processing to continuously monitor load characteristics during the wash cycle. This feedback enables real-time adjustment of spin speed and load distribution, allowing the system to optimize water extraction while preventing imbalance-induced vibration and noise.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the system detects and redistributes non-shedding loads, then load balance is improved, but operation time increases due to additional detection and redistribution steps
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of non-shedding articles before the spin cycle using image processing and weight measurement. Based on this early detection, it pre-adjusts spin speed parameters and performs preliminary load redistribution, preventing the harmful effects of rapid water displacement before they occur during high-speed rotation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges the detection function into the existing control routine by integrating image processing and weight measurement with the standard wash cycle control. This consolidation allows load type detection and redistribution to occur within the existing operational framework, minimizing additional time while improving load balance.
4Measurement precision
If the system uses image processing and weight measurement to detect non-shedding articles, then detection accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the existing camera and weight sensor components of the washing machine for multiple purposes: standard operation monitoring, user interface display, and now load type detection. This multi-functionality allows accurate detection of non-shedding articles without adding dedicated specialized hardware, thereby improving detection accuracy while minimizing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses its own existing resources (camera, weight sensor, processor) to perform load type detection and analysis, rather than requiring external specialized detection equipment. The controller processes the images and weight data using algorithms already present in the appliance's control system, enabling accurate detection without increasing overall system complexity.
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
Effectively identifies non-shedding loads and adjusts operations to minimize imbalance, reducing noise and vibration by limiting spin speeds and redistributing load, thereby enhancing operational stability.
Implementation Method 1
The basket can rotate at various speeds to agitate articles within the wash chamber in the washing fluid
Implementation Method 2
The basket can rotate at various speeds to agitate articles within the wash chamber in the washing fluid, to wring washing fluid from articles within the wash chamber
Data Source
AI summary
A washing machine appliance and methods of operating a washing machine appliance are provided. The washing machine appliance includes a tub and a rotatable basket within the tub. A volume of water is flows into the tub, causing a load of articles in the basket to be wetted. A first weight of the load of articles is measured during an initial spin operation after flowing the volume of water into the wash tub. A water extraction operation is performed after measuring the first weight of the load of articles. A second weight of the load of articles is measured after the water extraction operation. A load type of the load of articles is determined based on the first weight and the second weight.