Laundry washing machine with automatic selection of load type
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Solution Overview
Problem
Laundry washing machines often experience suboptimal performance due to manual load type selection errors by users, leading to inefficient energy and water consumption, as users may not accurately choose settings for different types of loads.
Innovation Solution
A laundry washing machine that automatically selects a load type during the initial fill phase using weight and fluid level sensors to determine water absorption parameters, allowing for dynamic selection of optimal wash settings without user intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual load type selection is provided, then user interaction is simplified, but suboptimal performance occurs due to user inattentiveness or lack of understanding
Solution Approach 1:
The washing machine automatically detects load type using sensors (weight sensor, fluid level sensor, temperature sensor) without requiring user input. The system serves itself by autonomously determining the appropriate wash cycle based on sensed parameters, eliminating the need for manual selection while ensuring accurate load type identification.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical selection process (user reading labels and selecting settings) is replaced with an automated sensing and control system. The controller processes signals from multiple sensors to automatically determine load type, substituting human judgment with electronic detection and algorithmic decision-making.
2Measurement precision
If automated load type selection is implemented, then load type detection accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional sensors and control logic
Solution Approach 1:
The sensing system serves multiple functions: the weight sensor detects both load presence and load type characteristics, the fluid level sensor monitors water level for load type determination and cycle control, and the temperature sensor aids in identifying load type while also controlling wash parameters. This multi-functionality reduces the need for dedicated sensors for each measurement task.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple sensing functions into a integrated control system where the controller processes information from weight, fluid level, and temperature sensors to simultaneously determine load type, select wash cycle, and control water dispensing. This merging of functions reduces overall system complexity compared to having separate independent systems for each function.
3Reliability
If wash settings are optimized for specific load types, then washing performance is improved, but energy and water consumption increase due to multiple setting combinations
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically changes wash parameters (water temperature, water amount, cycle duration, agitation intensity) based on the detected load type. For example, delicate loads receive lower temperature and gentler agitation, while heavy-duty loads receive higher temperature and more intensive cycles. This parameter adaptation ensures optimal washing performance for each load type while minimizing resource consumption by avoiding unnecessary energy and water usage.
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 solution ensures more efficient wash cycles by accurately determining load types based on weight and fluid level data, optimizing water usage and energy consumption while reducing user burden and improving wash performance.
Implementation Method 1
a weight sensor operatively coupled to the wash tub to sense a weight associated with the wash tub
Implementation Method 2
a fluid level sensor configured to sense a fluid level in the wash tub
Data Source
AI summary
A laundry washing machine and method automate the selection of a load type for a laundry washing machine during an initial fill phase of a wash cycle and based in part on weight and fluid level sensed by weight and fluid level sensors operatively coupled to a wash tub and after a selected amount of water has been dispensed into the wash tub.