Washing Machine Load Characterization for Dryer Cycle Optimization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional laundry drying technologies do not effectively utilize load characterization data from washing machines to optimize drying parameters, leading to redundant user input or subjective determination of load size, which can result in inefficient drying operations.

Innovation Solution

A method where the washing machine characterizes the load and communicates recommended drying parameters, such as time and temperature, to the dryer based on load type and size, enabling more precise and efficient drying operations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional approaches determine drying parameters separately in the dryer appliance, then the dryer can operate independently, but this requires extra time for redundant load characterization and reduces overall efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveindependent operation capabilityVSAvoiddrying cycle time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The washing machine performs load characterization during the washing cycle, before the drying cycle begins. This preliminary characterization includes determining load size, fabric type, and other relevant parameters that will be used to pre-determine optimal drying parameters, eliminating the need for redundant characterization in the dryer.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The washing machine appliance transmits load characterization data to the dryer appliance, creating a feedback loop where information from the washing cycle informs the drying cycle parameters. This ensures the dryer receives accurate load information without requiring separate characterization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Device complexity

If conventional approaches use subjective user determination of load size, then no additional characterization equipment is needed, but this reduces measurement precision and drying optimization

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecharacterization system complexityVSAvoidload size determination accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The washing machine appliance automatically performs load characterization during the washing cycle using its existing sensors and control systems. The system self-determines load parameters such as size, fabric type, and weight without requiring manual user input or additional specialized equipment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The washing machine's existing characterization capabilities serve dual purposes: optimizing the washing cycle and providing data for the drying cycle. This multi-functionality allows the system to use the same sensors and processing for both washing and drying optimization without adding dedicated drying characterization equipment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Productivity

If the washing machine transmits load information to the dryer, then drying parameters can be optimized based on accurate load characterization, but this increases device complexity and communication requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedrying operation efficiencyVSAvoidappliance communication system

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses existing communication protocols and data transmission mechanisms between paired washing and drying appliances. The load characterization data is transmitted through the appliance pairing communication interface, which serves as an intermediary channel, avoiding the need for dedicated communication hardware or complex protocols.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Reliability

If separate load characterization is performed in the dryer, then the dryer operates independently without relying on washing machine data, but this results in redundant characterization that wastes time and reduces productivity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedryer independenceVSAvoiddrying cycle efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The load characterization function is merged between the washing and drying appliances. The washing machine performs the characterization and shares the results with the dryer, combining the efforts of both appliances to achieve accurate load knowledge without duplication. This merging eliminates redundant characterization while maintaining coordinated operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS20240337057A1Optimized drying cycle based on washing cycle

Publication Date: 2024.10.10 HAIER US APPLIANCE SOLUTIONS INC

AI summary

A pair of laundry appliances includes a washing machine appliance and a dryer appliance. A method of operating the pair of laundry appliances includes characterizing a load of articles in the washing machine appliance. The method also includes washing the load of articles in the washing machine appliance. The method further includes determining a parameter for a drying operation of the dryer appliance for the load of articles based on the characterization of the load of articles.