Washing apparatus capable of adjusting operation based on additional laundry and method of controlling the same

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing washing machines fail to accurately detect the degree of contamination of additional laundry and adjust washing conditions accordingly, leading to ineffective washing when extra laundry is introduced during a cycle.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus that include a detergent detection sensor and a processor to measure the degree of contamination of washing water and adjust the washing cycle by estimating the amount of detergent needed based on conductivity, turbidity, and temperature, allowing for appropriate washing and rinsing cycles even with excessive contaminants.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If additional laundry is introduced during a washing cycle, then the washing machine can handle unexpected laundry needs, but the washing effectiveness deteriorates because the machine cannot detect contamination degree and adjust washing conditions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to handle additional laundryVSAvoidwashing effectiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The washing machine uses a detergent detection sensor to continuously monitor the washing water during the cycle. When additional laundry is detected, the sensor measures detergent concentration changes in real-time, providing feedback that triggers automatic adjustment of detergent dosage and washing parameters to maintain washing effectiveness

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system automatically detects additional laundry and self-adjusts washing conditions without user intervention. The detergent detection sensor monitors contamination levels and the controller automatically modifies detergent dispensing and washing parameters, enabling the machine to serve itself when handling unexpected laundry additions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Ease of operation

If the washing machine resets washing conditions based on additional laundry amount only, then the washing cycle can be adjusted, but the washing quality deteriorates because contamination degree is not considered

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomatic washing condition adjustmentVSAvoidwashing quality

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces manual assessment of laundry contamination with an automated detergent detection sensor that measures detergent concentration in washing water. This sensor-based detection system substitutes for mechanical or visual assessment, providing precise electronic measurement of contamination degree to guide washing condition adjustments

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The washing machine dynamically changes washing parameters based on sensor measurements. When contamination degree exceeds thresholds, the system adjusts detergent dosage, water temperature, and washing time parameters to optimize washing quality for the detected contamination level

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Measurement precision

If detergent detection sensor measures washing water properties, then accurate contamination detection is achieved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontamination detection accuracyVSAvoidsensor and control system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The detergent detection sensor serves multiple functions: it detects additional laundry presence, measures contamination degree, monitors detergent concentration, and triggers appropriate washing adjustments. This multi-functional sensor reduces the need for separate detection devices, managing system complexity while maintaining measurement precision

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

Ensures effective washing by automatically introducing the right amount of detergent and adjusting washing parameters based on the contamination level of additional laundry, improving washing efficiency and effectiveness.

Implementation Method 1

introducing a detergent detection sensor and a processor configured to measure a degree of contamination of washing water

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectConductivity detection: Conduction (electrical)

Implementation Method 2

measuring the degree of contamination of washing water

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTurbidity detection: Scattering

Data Source

PatentUS11795597B2Washing apparatus capable of adjusting operation based on additional laundry and method of controlling the same

Publication Date: 2023.10.24 LG ELECTRONICS INC

AI summary

Provided are a washing apparatus that is capable of being operated in an Internet of Things (IoT) environment over a 5G communication network and estimating additional laundry that is introduced and the amount of detergent that is additionally introduced based thereon through a neural network model generated based on machine learning, and a method of controlling the same.