Washing Machine Partial-Load Water Control to Reduce Consumption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for controlling washing liquid intake in laundry washing machines are inefficient in terms of water and electric power consumption, as they fail to accurately adjust water levels based on laundry load, leading to excessive water usage and energy wastage.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a sequence of partial water loads, where each load is determined by indicative parameters from previous loads, including the level of free washing liquid, pressure, and the number of loads performed, to ensure the right amount of water is used for the actual laundry load, using a metering device and control unit to manage water intake.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a fixed time period water supply method is used, then the water supply process is simple to control, but the water consumption increases excessively
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the water supply control unit continuously monitors the actual water level in the washing machine and compares it with the target water level. Based on this feedback, the control unit adjusts the water supply rate dynamically, increasing supply when the level is below target and decreasing or stopping supply when the target is reached, thereby preventing excessive water consumption while maintaining simple control operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the static fixed-time water supply method into a dynamic control system where the water supply rate is continuously adjusted based on real-time water level measurements. The supply rate varies dynamically during the washing cycle, being higher when the water level is low and lower or zero when the target level is approached, optimizing water consumption while keeping the control mechanism straightforward.
2Reliability
If water supply is increased to ensure sufficient washing liquid, then the washing effectiveness is improved, but the electric power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system uses feedback from water level sensors to precisely regulate water supply, ensuring that the washing machine receives exactly the amount of water needed for effective washing without excess. This prevents unnecessary energy consumption from pumping and heating beyond-required water volumes while maintaining sufficient washing liquid levels for effective operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the water supply parameter from a fixed time-based approach to a level-based dynamic approach. By monitoring actual water level and adjusting supply rates accordingly, the system ensures sufficient washing liquid is present for effective washing while avoiding the energy waste associated with supplying more water than necessary.
3Quantity of substance
If the water level is maintained at a high level throughout the cycle, then the washing liquid availability is ensured, but the water consumption increases unnecessarily
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic water supply actions rather than continuous supply. The water supply unit operates in cycles, supplying water when the level drops below a threshold and stopping when the target level is reached. This periodic action ensures washing liquid is available when needed while avoiding continuous water consumption that would maintain unnecessarily high water levels throughout the entire cycle.
Solution Approach 2:
Through continuous monitoring of water level and feedback-controlled adjustment of supply rates, the system maintains adequate washing liquid availability only when necessary, rather than keeping high water levels continuously. The feedback mechanism ensures water is supplied to maintain sufficiency without creating excessive water consumption.
4Measurement precision
If multiple water supply interruptions are allowed for load measurement, then the washing liquid intake accuracy is improved, but the washing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary water supply to reach a target level before the washing cycle begins, rather than interrupting the cycle multiple times for measurements. The water supply control unit pre-establishes the appropriate water level based on expected load conditions, eliminating the need for time-consuming interruptions during the washing cycle while still achieving accurate water intake.
Solution Approach 2:
The system skips the time-consuming multiple interruption approach by implementing continuous or near-continuous water supply with real-time level monitoring. The control unit rushes through the water supply phase efficiently, reaching the target level without unnecessary pauses, thereby achieving accurate water intake measurement without extending the overall washing time.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for managing the load of washing liquid in a laundry washing machine (100) is provided. The laundry washing machine has a washing tub (110), in which washing liquid may be loaded, and a rotatable drum (115), rotatably accommodated in the washing tub (110), for containing the laundry to be washed. The method includes performing a sequence of partial loads of washing liquid into the washing tub (110). Each partial load provides for loading a corresponding liquid amount in the washing tub (110). For at least one of the partial loads in the sequence, the method provides for loading into the washing tub (110) a predetermined amount of washing liquid which depends on at least one indicative parameter related to one or more of the previous partial loads in the sequence.