Washing machine controller
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Solution Overview
Problem
Washing machines accumulate contaminants like scale and soap scum over time, requiring effective self-cleaning methods that adapt to the level of contamination.
Innovation Solution
A control method for a washing machine that calculates the cumulative number of wash cycles since the last self-cleaning course, adjusts the self-cleaning course settings, including the length of time and type of strokes, based on this count, to effectively remove contaminants.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fixed self-cleaning course is used regardless of usage frequency, then the device complexity is reduced, but the cleaning effectiveness deteriorates as contamination levels vary
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by adjusting self-cleaning course parameters (duration, intensity, stroke type) based on the cumulative wash cycle count. The controller modifies cleaning parameters dynamically without requiring complex contamination detection sensors, using the usage count as a proxy for contamination level to optimize cleaning effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements self-service by automatically tracking wash cycle usage and autonomously determining appropriate self-cleaning parameters. The washing machine monitors its own usage patterns and adjusts cleaning protocols without external intervention or complex external sensing systems, enabling adaptive cleaning through internal data processing.
2Reliability
If the self-cleaning course is extended to handle heavy contamination, then cleaning effectiveness improves, but the loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the self-cleaning course duration and intensity variable rather than fixed. The controller dynamically adjusts cleaning parameters based on the cumulative wash cycle count, extending cleaning time only when usage indicates higher contamination levels, and reducing time when contamination is minimal, thus optimizing the balance between effectiveness and time consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes cleaning parameters (duration, stroke intensity, number of cycles) based on usage data. By modifying these parameters dynamically according to the cumulative wash count, the system adapts cleaning intensity to actual contamination levels, avoiding unnecessary extended cleaning when contamination is low while ensuring adequate cleaning when contamination is high.
Data Source
AI summary
A washing machine includes an outer tub that is configured to holding water. The washing machine includes an inner tub that is configured to exchange water with the outer tub and that is configured to rotate. The washing machine includes a pulsator that is located in a lower portion of the inner tub and that is configured to rotate. A method to operate the washing machine includes the actions of, each time that a wash cycle runs after a previous self-cleaning course, storing a cumulative number of times the wash cycle has run since the previous self-cleaning course. The actions further include selecting a subsequent self-cleaning course. The actions further include configuring settings of the subsequent self-cleaning course based on the stored cumulative number of times the wash cycle has run since the previous self-cleaning course. The actions further include conducting the subsequent self-cleaning course according to the configured settings.