Washing machine and control method thereof
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing washing machines face issues with accurately detecting the residual amount of detergent in cartridges due to sensor malfunctions caused by external forces or detergent hardening, leading to misjudgments and the need for additional sensors to determine cartridge emptiness or proper mounting.
Innovation Solution
A washing machine design incorporating three electrode sensors at different heights within each cartridge, where the first and second sensors detect initial values and the third sensor detects after a predetermined time, allowing for precise determination of detergent levels and sensor functionality without additional sensors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a pair of sensors is used to detect residual detergent amount, then the detection function is provided, but the sensor may be electrified due to external forces or detergent hardening causing malfunction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the detection function into multiple independent sensor units (first sensor, second sensor, third sensor) positioned at different heights within the cartridge. Each sensor independently detects detergent presence at its specific level, so that malfunction of one sensor does not affect the overall detection reliability. This segmentation allows the system to identify both detergent level and sensor malfunction status.
2Measurement precision
If additional sensors are added to determine cartridge emptiness or proper mounting, then detection accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the existing sensor system multi-functional by strategically positioning three sensors at different heights. The same sensors serve multiple purposes: detecting detergent level, identifying cartridge emptiness, verifying proper cartridge mounting, and detecting sensor malfunction. This eliminates the need for additional dedicated sensors for each function, maintaining detection accuracy while avoiding increased device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds the height dimension to sensor positioning, placing sensors at three different vertical levels within the cartridge rather than using multiple sensors at the same level. This dimensional approach allows a single sensor array to provide comprehensive detection information about detergent level, cartridge status, and sensor functionality without requiring additional sensor components.
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 minimizes misjudgments due to detergent hardening or sensor sway, accurately determines detergent levels, and identifies sensor malfunctions, ensuring proper cartridge operation without additional sensors.
Implementation Method 1
a first sensor value is detected by a first two electrode sensors and a second sensor value by a second two electrode sensors
Data Source
AI summary
A method for controlling a washing machine includes: detecting a first sensor value by a first set of electrode sensors and a second sensor value by a second set of electrode sensors having at least one electrode sensor which is placed vertically higher than the first set of electrode sensors, the first and second set of electrode sensors comprising at least three electrode sensors which are located at least one of cartridges and configured to detect an amount of detergent contained in the at least one the cartridges; comparing the first sensor value and the second sensor value with a first predetermined value, respectively; passing a predetermined time; redetecting the first sensor value and the second sensor value and calculating a difference sensor value; and determining that the detergent is filling to a height between the first set of electrode sensors and the second set of electrode sensors.