Washing machine appliances and methods for operating the same
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Washing machine appliances face issues with low inlet pressure, particularly in areas with constant water pressure concerns, where flow regulators are not affordable or effective, and cannot distinguish between low pressure and flood conditions, leading to inadequate performance and user dissatisfaction.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for a washing machine that determines the load mass and type by flowing water into the tub until a predetermined level is met, using a pressure sensor and controller to estimate the volume of water and adjust water flow accordingly, including a secondary indicator level for low pressure conditions to ensure proper operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stress or pressure
If a flow regulator is added to regulate water pressure, then water pressure regulation is improved, but appliance cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The washing machine uses its existing pressure sensor and control system to automatically detect and compensate for low inlet pressure conditions. The system determines load mass, estimates water volume, identifies low pressure conditions, and adjusts water intake accordingly - all without external flow regulators.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical flow regulator with an electronic control system that uses the existing pressure sensor to detect inlet pressure conditions and adjusts water intake through electronic control of the water inlet valve, eliminating the need for mechanical pressure regulation components.
2Stress or pressure
If a flow regulator is added to regulate water pressure, then water pressure regulation is improved, but flow regulator effectiveness deteriorates at extreme low pressures
Solution Approach 1:
The washing machine's control system actively monitors pressure conditions and automatically adjusts water intake to compensate for low inlet pressure, ensuring reliable operation across the full range of inlet pressure conditions without relying on flow regulator performance at extreme lows.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operating parameters by using load mass and water volume estimates to dynamically adjust the water intake process, allowing the washing machine to adapt to varying inlet pressure conditions and maintain effective operation regardless of inlet pressure extremes.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the appliance shuts off water supply upon detecting an issue, then flood prevention is improved, but water level adequacy deteriorates due to inability to distinguish low pressure from flood conditions
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of shutting off water supply when an issue is detected, the system inverts the approach by using the existing pressure sensor data in reverse - interpreting pressure changes as indicators of low inlet pressure rather than flood conditions, and responding by extending the water intake period to ensure adequate water levels.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from the pressure sensor combined with load mass and water volume estimates to distinguish between low pressure and flood conditions. The control system continuously monitors pressure changes during water intake and adjusts the water supply accordingly, preventing both flooding and inadequate water levels.
4Quantity of substance
If water intake period is extended to compensate for low pressure, then water level adequacy is improved, but operation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes parameters by using load mass determination and water volume estimation to calculate the appropriate water intake duration and rate. By adjusting these parameters based on the detected low pressure condition, the system optimizes the balance between achieving adequate water levels and minimizing extended operation time.
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 improved detection and resolution of low inlet pressure conditions, ensuring adequate water levels for effective washing machine operation without the need for flow regulators, thus enhancing performance and user satisfaction.
Implementation Method 1
a pressure sensor mounted in the tub
Data Source
AI summary
Washing machine appliance and methods for operating washing machine appliances are provided. A method includes determining a load mass in a basket of the washing machine appliance, and flowing water into a tub until a predetermined tub water indicator level is met, wherein the basket is disposed in the tub. The method further includes estimating a first volume of water in the tub after the predetermined tub water indicator level is met, and determining a load type based on the load mass and the first volume of water. The method further includes flowing water into the tub until a secondary indicator level for the determined load mass is met if the determined load type is a low pressure indicator.