Washing Machine Drain Standpipe Height Detection for Adaptive Drainage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Washing machine appliances face challenges with high drain standpipes, as the drain pump may not have sufficient time or capacity to fully drain the tub, leading to residual wash water and undesirable soap suds due to varying drain standpipe heights between buildings.
Innovation Solution
A method for detecting drain standpipe height using a pressure sensor or measuring current and power consumption of the drain pump, allowing the washing machine to adjust its operation accordingly to ensure proper drainage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the drain pump runs for a predetermined period of time to fully drain the tub under normal conditions, then the tub is completely drained when the drain standpipe height is normal (3 feet), but wash water remains in the tub when the drain standpipe height is high (8 feet or more)
Solution Approach 1:
The drain pump operation time is made dynamic rather than fixed. The controller adjusts the pump run time based on real-time pressure sensor feedback that detects drain standpipe height. When a high drain standpipe is detected, the pump operates longer; when a normal height is detected, the pump operates for the standard predetermined period, optimizing drainage for each condition.
Solution Approach 2:
A pressure sensor provides continuous feedback during the drain cycle to monitor the pressure differential across the drain pump. This feedback allows the controller to detect drain standpipe height and adjust pump operation accordingly, ensuring complete drainage regardless of standpipe height variations.
2Reliability
If the drain pump runs longer to accommodate high drain standpipes, then complete drainage is achieved in buildings with high standpipes, but energy consumption and cycle time increase in buildings with normal standpipes
Solution Approach 1:
The drain pump operation time is made dynamic rather than fixed. The controller adjusts the pump run time based on real-time pressure sensor feedback that detects drain standpipe height. When a high drain standpipe is detected, the pump operates longer; when a normal height is detected, the pump operates for the standard predetermined period, optimizing drainage for each condition.
Solution Approach 2:
The operational parameters of the drain pump (specifically run time) are changed based on detected drain standpipe height. The system transitions from a fixed parameter approach to a variable parameter approach, where pump duration is adjusted according to the pressure differential measurements, reducing energy consumption when high standpipes are not present.
3Reliability
If the drain pump runs longer to accommodate high drain standpipes, then complete drainage is achieved in buildings with high standpipes, but the washing machine cycle time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The drain pump operation time is made dynamic rather than fixed. The controller adjusts the pump run time based on real-time pressure sensor feedback that detects drain standpipe height. When a high drain standpipe is detected, the pump operates longer; when a normal height is detected, the pump operates for the standard predetermined period, optimizing drainage for each condition.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary detection of drain standpipe height using pressure sensor measurements during the drain cycle before committing to extended pump operation. This preliminary action allows the controller to determine whether additional drain time is necessary, avoiding unnecessary cycle time extensions in buildings with normal standpipe heights.
4Measurement precision
If a pressure sensor is used to detect drain standpipe height, then accurate detection is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure sensor utilizes the existing pressure differential that naturally occurs during the drain pump operation to detect drain standpipe height. The system serves dual purposes: draining the tub and detecting standpipe height, without requiring additional active components or complex measurement mechanisms beyond the pressure sensing capability already present in the drain system.
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
The method allows for customized operation based on drain standpipe height, preventing residual wash water and soap suds, ensuring efficient drainage and optimal washing machine performance across different installations.
Implementation Method 1
receiving a signal from a pressure sensor associated with the tub while the drain pump flows the wash fluid from the tub to the drain standpipe, determining a height of the drain standpipe based on the signal from the pressure sensor
Implementation Method 2
activating a drain pump such that the drain pump flows wash fluid from a tub to a drain standpipe
Data Source
AI summary
A method for detecting drain standpipe height in a washing machine appliance includes activating a drain pump such that the drain pump flows wash fluid from a tub to a drain standpipe, determining a height of the drain standpipe, and adjusting operation of the washing machine appliance in response to the determined height of the drain standpipe.