Washing Machine Hold Time Estimation and Odor Prevention

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Solution Overview

Problem

Washing machine appliances often leave articles wet for extended periods, leading to undesirable conditions such as odor development and mildew formation, especially when users are unavailable to remove the articles promptly after the wash cycle.

Innovation Solution

A method of operating a washing machine that includes estimating the hold time after a wash operation and delaying the start of the next operation or performing a keep fresh cycle if the estimated hold time exceeds a maximum hold time, thereby reducing the risk of odor and mildew.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If the washing machine operation is delayed, then the hold time is reduced preventing odor and mildew, but the productivity decreases due to postponed wash cycle

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveodor and mildew preventionVSAvoidwashing machine productivity

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary estimation of the hold time based on historical data before the washing cycle starts. This allows the system to proactively schedule delays or notify users in advance, preventing odor and mildew formation while minimizing disruption to productivity by planning ahead rather than reacting to problems after they occur.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses feedback from historical hold time data to continuously improve its predictions and scheduling decisions. By analyzing past user behavior patterns, the system refines its estimates of when articles will be removed, enabling more accurate timing of wash cycles and delay decisions that balance hygiene requirements with productivity maintenance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Object-affected harmful factors

If the operation start time is delayed or keep fresh cycle is performed, then the hold time is controlled within maximum limit, but the duration of action increases due to additional cycles or delays

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehold time controlVSAvoidtotal operation duration

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies partial action by implementing only the minimum necessary delay or keep fresh cycle duration to bring the hold time within acceptable limits. Rather than extending operations unnecessarily, the system calculates the precise amount of delay needed based on predicted hold time, performing just enough additional action to prevent odor and mildew while minimizing extension of total operation duration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentUS20250043481A1Washing machine hold time estimation

Publication Date: 2025.02.06 HAIER US APPLIANCE SOLUTIONS INC

AI summary

A method of operating a washing machine appliance includes receiving a start input for an operation of the washing machine appliance. The method also includes estimating a hold time that is predicted to occur after the operation. The method further includes determining the estimated hold time is greater than a maximum hold time. In response to the estimated hold time greater than the maximum hold time, an operation start time may be delayed or a keep fresh cycle may be performed after the operation.