Washing machine and method for controlling washing machine
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Solution Overview
Problem
Washing machines with detergent automatic supply units face difficulties in cleaning, leading to potential contamination and reduced reliability due to the complexity of separating the detergent container and removing residual water, resulting in increased maintenance costs.
Innovation Solution
A washing machine with a detergent supply unit that includes a controller to manage water flow for cleaning, a detergent discharge unit driven by motors, and sensors to detect the door and detergent container status, allowing for automated cleaning of the detergent supply unit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the detergent container is movably fixed to the inside of the accommodation unit, then the detergent container can be separated for cleaning, but it becomes difficult to remove foreign materials and residual water from the accommodation unit
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service cleaning by using the washing machine's own water circulation system to automatically clean the detergent supply unit. The controller manages water flow through the detergent supply unit during cleaning mode, eliminating the need for manual disassembly and cleaning by the user.
Solution Approach 2:
The water circulation system serves multiple functions: it performs both the washing operation and the cleaning of the detergent supply unit. The same pump and water flow paths are utilized for both detergent dissolution and cleaning operations, reducing the need for separate cleaning mechanisms.
2Ease of operation
If the detergent container is configured to be withdrawn frontward in the upper portion of the body, then the detergent can be easily accessed, but it causes inconvenience to operating the operation panel and affects the exterior appearance
Solution Approach 1:
The detergent container is nested within the detergent supply unit, which itself is integrated into the upper portion of the washing machine body. This nested configuration allows the detergent container to be accessed while maintaining a compact, integrated appearance that does not compromise the operation panel or exterior aesthetics.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If the detergent automatic supply unit is not cleaned for long time, then the unit continues to operate, but there is a possibility of second contaminant due to decomposition of foreign material
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic cleaning cycles automatically. The controller is configured to switch to cleaning mode at predetermined intervals, circulating water through the detergent supply unit to prevent decomposition of foreign materials and eliminate second contaminants, thereby maintaining reliability over extended operational periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses sensors to detect the presence of foreign materials and residual water in the detergent supply unit. Based on this feedback, the controller automatically initiates cleaning operations when contamination is detected, ensuring the unit remains clean and reliable without requiring manual intervention.
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
Enables efficient and automated cleaning of the detergent supply unit, improving product reliability and reducing maintenance costs by ensuring the unit is kept clean and free from contaminants.
Implementation Method 1
a pump configured to pump water inside of the tub, wherein the controller controls driving of the pump when performing the cleaning
Implementation Method 2
a detergent discharge unit configured to discharge the detergent of the detergent storage based on a command of the controller
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are a washing machine and a method for controlling a washing machine. The washing machine may include: a body; a tub provided inside of the body to store water; a detergent supply unit disposed adjacent to the tub to supply detergent to the tub during an operating mode for washing laundry and to receive water during a cleaning mode; and a controller configured to allow a cleaning of the detergent supply unit to be performed by controlling a flow of water of the detergent supply unit and the tub during the cleaning mode of the detergent supply unit.The present disclosure may be possible to keep the washing machine clean by automatically cleaning a detergent supply unit. In addition, it may be possible to improve the quality and the reliability of the product by automatically cleaning a detergent supply unit by using an input.