Washing Machine Moisture Control Using Alternating Water Injection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing washing machine methods are inefficient in precisely controlling the moisture level of laundry, leading to either under or over-moistening, which can affect washing performance and water usage.
Innovation Solution
A method and washing machine design that uses a combination of water injection from below and above, with a drain valve and injection device, to control the moisture level by recording the weight of laundry, applying water in controlled amounts, and rotating the drum to ensure even moistening, allowing for precise adjustment of the laundry-water ratio.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If water is applied from above using an injection device, then water is applied more directly to the laundry items, but the moisture level becomes difficult to control precisely
Solution Approach 1:
The water application process is segmented into multiple phases: initial water application from above to wet the laundry surface, followed by drum rotation to distribute water, then additional water application from above. This segmentation allows control over the total moisture level by adjusting the number and duration of water application phases.
Solution Approach 2:
The washing machine alternates between water application phases and drum rotation phases. During water application, the injection device sprays water from above; during rotation phases, the drum rotates to distribute water evenly. This periodic alternation enables precise control over moisture distribution and total moisture level.
2Quantity of substance
If the drum container is filled with water to a certain level, then laundry items can absorb water from below, but more water is required than necessary
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of filling water only from below (one dimension), the system applies water from above (another dimension) using the injection device. This multi-dimensional water application allows efficient wetting of laundry items without requiring large volumes of water to fill the drum container.
Solution Approach 2:
The injection device applies water to the laundry items before the main washing process begins. This preliminary water application ensures laundry items are adequately moistened from the start, reducing the need for excessive water in the drum container during subsequent washing phases.
3Reliability
If water is applied in large amounts, then laundry items are thoroughly moistened, but water waste increases
Solution Approach 1:
The washing machine control system monitors the washing process and adjusts water application accordingly. Based on feedback from sensors detecting moisture levels and washing progress, the control system regulates the injection device to apply only the necessary amount of water, preventing both under-moistening and water waste.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes water application parameters (flow rate, duration, frequency) based on washing requirements. The injection device can adjust its spray intensity and the control system modifies the timing and amount of water application to achieve optimal moisture levels without excessive water consumption.
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 enables precise control over the moisture content of laundry, optimizing the washing process by ensuring the right amount of water is used, reducing waste, and improving washing efficiency by preventing under or over-moistening.
Implementation Method 1
a) water is introduced or injected into the drum from above by means of an injection device
Implementation Method 2
b) with the drain valve open, water is introduced from below through the drain into the drum container and into the drum with the laundry items inside
Implementation Method 3
the drum is rotated slowly or in several increments, preferably a total of exactly one rotation
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4
AI summary
In a washing machine operating procedure, a defined moisture level of the laundry items in the drum (13) is required. This is achieved in a determinable manner by alternately wetting the laundry items in the drum (13) from below and from above. The laundry items can be mixed or loosened periodically by rotating the drum (13). By determining the total amount of water introduced into the washing machine and comparing it to the amount of water not absorbed by the laundry items, the amount of water absorbed by the laundry items can be determined. This is assumed to be evenly distributed within the laundry items, and thus the degree of saturation or moisture content of the laundry items can be determined. This allows for more precise and overall better execution of subsequent washing processes.