Washing Machine Drum Speed Control for Detergent Dissolution
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Solution Overview
Problem
In washing machines, increasing the size of the heater pocket leads to detergent accumulation at the bottom, reducing its efficiency and affecting washing performance due to inefficient dissolution in water.
Innovation Solution
A control method that includes steps to enhance detergent dissolution by adjusting motor speed, load detection, foam level measurement, and repetition of detergent dissolution based on load and water conditions, ensuring efficient detergent use and improved washing performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the heater pocket size is increased, then the heating capacity is improved, but detergent accumulates at the bottom and dissolution efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by implementing a detergent dissolution step that periodically rotates the drum at high speed (300 rpm) for specific time intervals (e.g., 5 seconds) during the washing cycle. This periodic high-speed rotation creates strong water flow that prevents detergent accumulation and enhances dissolution, while the heater continues to provide heating capacity during the non-rotation phases.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamics by changing the drum rotation speed dynamically - switching from low speed (90 rpm) during normal washing to high speed (300 rpm) during the detergent dissolution step. This dynamic speed adjustment optimizes both heating efficiency (at lower speeds) and detergent dissolution (at high speeds), resolving the contradiction between heating capacity and dissolution efficiency.
2Productivity
If the drum rotates at high speed continuously, then detergent dissolution is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by limiting high-speed rotation to specific time intervals (e.g., 5 seconds) within the detergent dissolution step, rather than continuous high-speed rotation. The drum alternates between high-speed (300 rpm) and low-speed (90 rpm) phases, achieving effective detergent dissolution while significantly reducing overall energy consumption compared to continuous high-speed operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing the detergent dissolution step at a predetermined time point during the washing cycle (e.g., after the heater has already heated the water). This timing ensures that detergent dissolves efficiently before the main washing phase begins, eliminating the need for prolonged high-speed rotation throughout the entire cycle.
3Productivity
If the detergent dissolution step is repeated multiple times, then dissolution completeness is improved, but washing duration increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs feedback by using a foam level sensor to detect when sufficient detergent has dissolved (indicated by adequate foam generation). The control unit monitors the foam level in real-time and automatically terminates the detergent dissolution step when the predetermined foam level is reached, preventing unnecessary repeated rotations and reducing washing duration while ensuring complete dissolution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by performing a single, optimized detergent dissolution step with high-speed rotation for a specific duration (e.g., 5 seconds at 300 rpm), rather than multiple repeated steps. This single sufficient action achieves the required dissolution completeness more efficiently than multiple shorter rotations, reducing overall washing time.
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
Enhances detergent dissolution rate, improves washing efficiency, reduces energy consumption, and shortens washing duration by optimizing detergent use in the washing process.
Implementation Method 1
a heater which heats the water in the tub
Implementation Method 2
rotating the motor at least once consecutively at low speed and high speed... rotating the washing machine drum motor at least once at 90 rpm and 300 rpm, consecutively
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments provide a control method suitable for a washing machine having a drum and a motor which moves the drum. The control method includes the detergent dissolution step having the steps of taking detergent and water, then detecting the load amount, determining the unbalanced load amount predetermined for the load amount, determining the water level in the washing machine, and rotating the motor at least twice consecutively at low and high speeds if the unbalanced load amount and the water level are below the predetermined value.