Method for improving washing machine performance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Users of washing machines often struggle to achieve desired wash cycle results due to complexity and lack of understanding of pre-programmed settings, leading to unsatisfactory outcomes and limited use of available features.

Innovation Solution

A method that allows users to provide feedback on previous wash cycles, adjusting wash cycle parameters using a graphical user interface and rules-based adjustments to improve subsequent washes, incorporating feedback parameters like stain removal, fragrance, and energy consumption, with the option to save custom cycles.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If pre-programmed settings with multiple parameters are provided, then washing machine functionality and performance are improved, but user complexity and difficulty in selecting appropriate settings increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewashing machine functionalityVSAvoiduser complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically adjusts wash cycle parameters by receiving feedback about previous wash results (e.g., cleanliness, fabric condition) and uses this feedback to optimize subsequent cycles. This eliminates the need for users to manually select from complex pre-programmed settings while maintaining high adaptability through automated learning and adjustment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Adaptability or versatility

If users are provided with detailed parameter modification options, then customization capability is improved, but user knowledge requirement increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecustomization capabilityVSAvoiduser knowledge requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The washing machine performs self-optimization by automatically analyzing wash results and adjusting parameters without user intervention. The system serves itself by learning from previous cycles and making appropriate modifications, eliminating the need for users to possess technical knowledge while maintaining full customization capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses feedback from wash results to automatically adjust parameters for subsequent cycles. This closed-loop approach enables detailed customization through automated parameter modification based on actual performance data, removing the burden of user knowledge requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Reliability

If multiple wash cycle options are provided, then washing performance is improved, but user time for selection and understanding increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewashing performanceVSAvoiduser time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically selects and optimizes wash cycle parameters based on feedback from previous wash results, eliminating the need for users to spend time reviewing and selecting from multiple options. The automated feedback loop ensures high washing performance is maintained while saving user time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP3289133B1Method for improving washing machine performance

Publication Date: 2023.06.14 PROCTER & GAMBLE CO

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AI summary

The invention relates to a method for controlling the performance of a washing machine wash cycle wherein the wash cycle uses a set of wash cycle parameters, the method comprising receiving feedback of one or more previous wash cycles, adjusting a subset of the set of wash cycle parameters responsive to the feedback and outputting consequences of said adjusting.