Washing Machine Load Type Detection Using Liquid Retention Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Washing machine appliances face issues with balance due to non-uniform weight distribution of articles and wash liquid, particularly with non-shedding materials, leading to out-of-balance conditions during spin cycles, causing noise, vibration, and sudden shifts in center of mass.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that includes activating a drain pump to remove standing wash liquid, deactivating it after a first time period, rotating the basket, and determining the wash liquid level in the annulus to identify load type, using a controller to detect non-shedding loads and implement remedial actions like reduced spin speeds or load redistribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the basket rotates at high speed during spin cycle, then water extraction efficiency is improved, but out-of-balance conditions occur due to sudden displacement of wash liquid from non-shedding articles
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of non-shedding articles before the high-speed spin cycle begins. By analyzing the load characteristics in advance, the controller can predict potential balance issues and adjust operational parameters proactively, preventing out-of-balance conditions before they occur during high-speed rotation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts spin cycle parameters based on detected load characteristics. When non-shedding articles are detected, the controller modifies rotational speed profiles, acceleration rates, and duration to maintain balance stability while still achieving adequate water extraction, creating a adaptive control strategy that responds to actual load conditions.
2Loss of energy
If the basket rotates during spin cycle, then wash liquid is displaced from articles for water extraction, but sudden shifts in center of mass cause out-of-balance conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback from load detection sensors to monitor the characteristics of articles in the basket. This information is continuously fed back to the controller, which adjusts spin cycle parameters in real-time to maintain center of mass stability while achieving effective water extraction, creating a closed-loop control system.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters such as rotational speed, acceleration rate, and spin duration based on detected article characteristics. For non-shedding articles, the controller modifies these parameters to prevent sudden wash liquid displacement, thereby maintaining center of mass stability while still achieving water extraction goals.
3Reliability
If remedial actions are taken to redistribute load or slow rotational speed, then balance is maintained, but washing cycle duration increases
Solution Approach 1:
By detecting non-shedding articles and potential balance issues before they occur, the system can implement preventive measures rather than corrective ones. This allows for optimized spin cycle parameters from the start, avoiding the need for time-consuming load redistribution or speed reductions during the cycle.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements dynamic parameter adjustment that maintains balance stability without requiring full load redistribution. By continuously adapting rotational speed and other parameters based on real-time detection, the system achieves balance maintenance with minimal impact on cycle duration.
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
Effectively detects non-shedding loads, reducing the likelihood of out-of-balance conditions by adjusting operational parameters to maintain balance and stability during washing cycles.
Implementation Method 1
activating a drain pump to remove standing wash liquid from the annulus
Implementation Method 2
as the rotation accelerates, the wash liquid may be rapidly displaced within or from the basket
Data Source
AI summary
A washing machine appliance includes a tub, a rotatable basket within the tub, and an annulus defined between the tub and the basket. A method of operating the washing machine appliance includes activating a drain pump to remove standing wash liquid from the annulus. The method also includes deactivating the drain pump after removing the standing wash liquid and rotating the basket within the wash tub for a first time period after deactivating the drain pump. The drain pump remains deactivated during the first time period. The method further includes determining a level of wash liquid in the annulus after rotating the basket within the wash tub for the first time period and determining a load type of the load of articles based on the level of wash liquid in the annulus after rotating the basket within the wash tub for the first time period.