Laundry treatment apparatus and control method thereof
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional laundry treatment apparatuses lack interlocking functionality between washing machines and dryers, requiring manual intervention for power supply and control commands, and separate sensing operations, which reduces efficiency and usability.
Innovation Solution
A control method and apparatus that enable interlocked operation between washing machines and dryers through information exchange, allowing the washing machine to transmit laundry-related information to the dryer for immediate drying preparation after washing, optimizing drying efficiency and reducing overall processing time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If independent control circuits are used for washing machine and dryer, then device complexity is reduced and ease of manufacture is improved, but operation efficiency deteriorates and requires manual intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the control circuits of the washing machine and dryer into a unified control system. The controller receives washing completion signals from the washing machine and automatically triggers dryer operations, eliminating the need for independent control circuits while improving operation efficiency through automated interlocking between the two devices.
2Device complexity
If manual power supply and control commands are required, then device complexity is reduced, but loss of time increases due to manual intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The controller performs preliminary actions by pre-heating the dryer and preparing the drying function in advance upon receiving the washing completion signal. This automated preliminary action eliminates the need for manual power supply and control commands, reducing the time required for the user to intervene while the system automatically prepares the dryer for immediate operation.
3Device complexity
If separate sensing operations are performed by each apparatus, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates due to lack of coordinated information exchange
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the washing machine transmits washing completion signals and operational data to the controller, which then coordinates the dryer's sensing and operation. This feedback loop enables coordinated information exchange between devices, improving measurement precision for laundry detection and drying control while maintaining manageable device complexity through centralized control.
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed is a method of controlling a washing machine (L). The method includes receiving setting information for washing mode, sensing an amount of laundry put into the washing machine, transmitting the setting information for washing mode and information on the amount of laundry to a dryer (T), and transmitting preheating request information to the dryer. A laundry treatment apparatus includes devices that may operate in conjunction with one another, thereby increasing operation efficiency and usability.