Washing machine appliances and methods of operation for determining load size
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Solution Overview
Problem
Accurate determination of load size in washing machine appliances is challenging for users, and existing systems for automatic load size detection are often inaccurate or resource-intensive.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that involve directing a discrete rotational impulse to a wash basket, measuring the displacement of the tub using a measurement device, and determining the load size based on the measured displacement, which includes a motor, a wash basket, a tub, a measurement device, and a controller to initiate and control the washing operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If user-specified input is used for load size determination, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-measurement by automatically detecting load size through the measurement device and impulse response mechanism, eliminating the need for user input while ensuring accurate measurement. The washing machine appliance determines its own operational parameters through self-service measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual user estimation with an automated measurement system that uses mechanical impulses and displacement sensing. The measurement device detects tub displacement in response to controlled impulses, substituting mechanical measurement for user judgment.
2Measurement precision
If existing automatic load size determination systems are used, then measurement precision may be improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential measurement function from complex existing systems. By isolating the core measurement need and implementing it through a simple impulse-response-displacement detection mechanism, the system achieves accurate load size determination without unnecessary complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces complex electronic or sensor-based load detection with a simple mechanical impulse and displacement measurement approach. This mechanical substitution simplifies the device while maintaining measurement precision.
3Measurement precision
If existing automatic load size determination systems are used, then measurement precision may be improved, but use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies only the minimum necessary action (a single discrete impulse) to obtain the measurement, rather than continuous monitoring or multiple measurements. This partial action achieves sufficient measurement precision while minimizing energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement is performed as a periodic discrete impulse rather than continuous operation. The system applies an impulse at specific intervals (once per wash cycle) rather than continuously monitoring, reducing energy use while maintaining measurement accuracy.
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
This approach allows for accurate and automatic determination of load size, reducing the risk of improper loading and enhancing the efficiency of washing operations by providing precise control over wash fluid and additive volumes.
Implementation Method 1
measuring displacement of the tub at the measurement device to detect movement of the tub
Data Source
AI summary
A washing machine appliance and method of operation for determining load size are provided herein. The washing machine appliance may include a cabinet, a tub, a wash basket, a measurement device, a motor, and a controller. The cabinet may include a front panel. The front panel may define an opening. The tub may be positioned within the cabinet. The wash basket may be rotatably mounted within the tub. The wash basket may define a wash chamber to receive an article load of one or more articles. The measurement device may detect movement of the tub. The motor may be in mechanical communication with the wash basket to selectively rotate the wash basket within the tub. The controller may be in operative communication with the measurement device and the motor.