Clothes washing control method, washing machine, and system

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing washing machines lack a fabric identification function, leading to low accuracy in selecting appropriate washing parameters, which can result in clothes not being cleaned properly or being excessively abraded, especially when dealing with diverse fabrics.

Innovation Solution

A clothing washing control method utilizing a clothing material identification device, such as a micro spectrum analyzer, to scan and identify fabric components, analyze the data, and recommend optimal washing parameters, including water level, time, rinsing cycles, and speed, thereby improving washing efficiency and preventing fabric damage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If users manually judge and select washing procedures based on fabric types, then washing can be performed, but the fabric identification accuracy is extremely low and user operation complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefabric identification accuracyVSAvoiduser operation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The washing machine performs automatic fabric identification and washing procedure selection without requiring user judgment or manual input. The identification device scans the clothing material, and the control unit automatically determines the appropriate washing parameters, making the system serve itself rather than relying on user expertise.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical judgment process with an optical/electronic identification device that uses light reflection or other physical principles to automatically detect fabric properties, substituting human sensory and cognitive functions with automated sensing and processing systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a rough fabric identification method based on water absorption is used, then some fabric differentiation is possible, but only post-event treatment is achieved and identification accuracy remains low

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefabric differentiation capabilityVSAvoididentification accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The identification device performs fabric detection before the washing process begins, allowing the system to pre-determine the appropriate washing parameters based on detected fabric properties. This preliminary identification enables proactive adjustment of washing settings rather than reactive post-event treatment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the water absorption-based mechanical measurement method with an optical or electromagnetic sensing system that can identify fabric properties through light interaction, providing more precise and diverse fabric differentiation capabilities without relying on physical water absorption measurements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Productivity

If incorrect washing parameters are used due to poor fabric identification, then washing can be completed, but clothing may not be cleaned properly or may suffer excessive abrasion

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewashing completionVSAvoidclothing damage
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The identification device provides real-time feedback about fabric properties to the control unit, which then adjusts washing parameters accordingly. This closed-loop feedback system ensures that the washing process is continuously adapted to the actual fabric characteristics, preventing both insufficient cleaning and excessive damage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically changes washing parameters such as water temperature, washing time, drum rotation speed, and detergent dosage based on the detected fabric properties. By adjusting these parameters according to fabric type, the system optimizes cleaning effectiveness while minimizing potential damage to different materials.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 significantly enhances fabric identification accuracy, simplifies user operations, and ensures clothes are washed effectively without excessive abrasion by providing tailored washing parameters based on fabric types, both for single and mixed fabrics.

Implementation Method 1

a clothing material identification device scanning and identifying clothing fabric components, and obtaining identification data

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpectrum analysis: Absorption Spectroscopy

Data Source

PatentEP3396041B1Clothes washing control method, washing machine, and system
Publication Date: 2020.04.22 QINGDAO HAIER DRUM WASHING MACHINE CO LTD
  • EP3396041B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3396041B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3396041B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present disclosure provides a clothing washing control method, a washing machine and a control system. The method comprises: S1, a clothing material identification device scanning and identifying clothing fabric components, and obtaining identification data; S2, analyzing the identification data, and obtaining clothing component information corresponding to the identification data; S3, recommending washing parameters according to the clothing component information; and S4, the washing machine executing washing according to the washing parameters recommended. According to the clothing washing control method, the washing machine and the control system, clothing materials can be automatically identified. The corresponding washing parameters are recommended according to the clothing materials. Thus the clothing washing efficiency is improved, and the situation that clothing fails to be washed clean or excessive washing causes clothing abrasion is effectively avoided.