Washing Machine Multi-Wavelength Optical Sensor for Dye Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional washing machines struggle to accurately detect turbidity and contamination due to dyes using single-wavelength light sensors, leading to inefficient water usage and extended washing times.
Innovation Solution
A washing machine equipped with an optical sensor that emits a plurality of visible rays and an infrared ray, allowing the controller to adjust washing time based on the concentration, size, and presence of dyes in the water by analyzing the received intensities of these lights.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single-wavelength light sensor is used to detect water turbidity, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision of turbidity and contamination detection deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The optical sensor is segmented into multiple light receiving elements, each sensitive to different wavelength ranges (visible light and infrared). This segmentation allows simultaneous detection of multiple light wavelengths, enabling precise identification of both turbidity and dye contamination through spectral analysis, thereby resolving the contradiction between simple structure and accurate measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection approach transitions from single-wavelength measurement to multi-wavelength spectral measurement, adding the wavelength dimension to the detection process. By analyzing the intensity distribution across multiple wavelengths, the system achieves comprehensive contamination detection capability while maintaining sensor integration.
2Device complexity
If a single-wavelength light sensor is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the detection capability for various contaminations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The light receiving element is divided into multiple segments with different spectral sensitivity characteristics. Each segment detects specific wavelength ranges, enabling the sensor to differentiate between various contamination types (turbidity, dye, oil) based on their distinct spectral signatures, thus achieving versatile detection without complex external filtering systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical sensor is designed with multi-functional capability by integrating multiple wavelength detection in a single device. The same sensor structure performs multiple detection functions (turbidity, dye concentration, particle size) simultaneously, achieving universal contamination detection without requiring separate specialized sensors for each contamination type.
3Reliability
If extended washing time is used, then the washing quality is improved, but the productivity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The washing machine incorporates real-time optical detection feedback during the washing process. The controller continuously monitors water quality parameters (turbidity, dye concentration) and dynamically adjusts washing time and intensity based on actual contamination levels, ensuring adequate washing quality while minimizing unnecessary extended operation time.
Solution Approach 2:
The washing process transitions from fixed-time operation to dynamic time adjustment based on real-time water quality monitoring. The controller adapts washing parameters dynamically according to detected contamination levels, enabling the system to achieve thorough washing of heavily soiled laundry while maintaining high productivity for lightly soiled items.
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 detection of turbidity and contamination, optimizing water usage and washing time, thereby reducing energy consumption and preventing dye transfer to laundry.
Implementation Method 1
the optical sensor includes a light emitting element and a light receiving element configured to selectively receive a plurality of visible rays having different wavelengths and an infrared ray among a light emitted from the light emitting element
Implementation Method 2
to identify a concentration of particles, a size of particles and a dye floating in the water based on a sum of the received intensities of the plurality of visible rays and the received intensity of the infrared ray
Data Source
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AI summary
An aspect of the present disclosure is to provide a washing machine that detects contamination of water due to a dye and prevents contamination of laundry due to the dye. The washing machine includes a tub; a drum configured to be rotatable inside of the tub; a detergent supplier configured to supply a detergent to the tub; a water supplier configured to supply a water to the tub; an optical sensor provided under the tub, wherein the optical sensor includes a light emitting element and a light receiving element configured to selectively receive a plurality of visible rays having different wavelengths and an infrared ray among a light emitted from the light emitting element; and a controller configured to control the water supplier to supply the detergent and the water to the tub and rotate the drum during a washing. In addition, the controller may reduce the washing time based on the sum of the received intensities of the plurality of visible rays and the received intensity of the infrared ray.