Washing Machine Bubble-Wash Control for Reduced Water and Energy Use
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional washing machines require large amounts of water and energy for heating, leading to inefficiencies and potential damage to delicate laundry due to the rotation of the drum, and they often use excessive detergent.
Innovation Solution
A washing machine with a water level sensor and control system that allows for precise control of water levels to optimize bubble generation, reducing water consumption and energy use by wetting laundry before bubble generation and adjusting water levels based on load and type of laundry, using a combination of detergent and air to generate bubbles for washing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If water is supplied to fill the space between the water tub and the rotary drum for washing, then washing function is achieved, but water consumption increases and energy required for heating increases
Solution Approach 1:
The laundry is wetted before bubble generation using a predetermined amount of water. This preliminary wetting action allows bubbles to easily permeate into the laundry, achieving effective washing without needing to fill the entire space between the water tub and drum with water, thus reducing overall water consumption
2Reliability
If water is supplied to fill the space between the water tub and the rotary drum for washing, then washing function is achieved, but energy required to increase water temperature increases
Solution Approach 1:
By wetting the laundry first with a controlled amount of water and then generating bubbles, the system achieves washing effectiveness without heating large volumes of water. The bubbles concentrate detergent and provide mechanical action, reducing the need for thermal energy input
3Reliability
If detergent water is supplied in large amounts for washing, then washing coverage is improved, but detergent consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the concentration parameter of detergent by generating bubbles from concentrated detergent water. The bubbles maintain high detergent concentration at their surfaces, providing effective washing coverage with reduced total detergent quantity. The bubble structure allows concentrated detergent to be distributed efficiently throughout the washing space
4Reliability
If the rotary drum rotates to wash laundry by lifting and dropping, then washing action is achieved, but delicate laundry may be damaged due to friction and impact
Solution Approach 1:
Bubbles serve as an intermediary medium between the detergent water and the laundry. The bubbles gently permeate into the laundry, providing washing action without the harsh mechanical impact of drum rotation. This intermediary bubble layer reduces friction and impact forces on delicate fabrics while maintaining effective detergent delivery
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 enhances washing efficiency, reduces water and energy usage, and minimizes damage to delicate items by ensuring bubbles permeate easily and using high-concentration detergent for effective cleaning with reduced washing time.
Implementation Method 1
a porous member (63) mounted at one end of the air supply pipe (62) to disperse the supplied air
Implementation Method 2
a water level sensor to detect a volume of water in the water tub (11)
Implementation Method 3
heats the water and the detergent supplied into the water tub using a heater mounted at the lower part of the washing machine
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A washing machine and a washing control method of the same that is capable of controlling laundry to be effectively washed with bubbles depending upon load of the washing machine and types of the laundry. The washing control method includes detecting the amount of load depending upon the weight of laundry, controlling the amount of wetting water according to the detected amount of load to wet the laundry, and generating bubbles to wash the laundry.