Method for treating clothes in a washing machine
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current laundry treatment methods in washing machines lack flexibility for users to customize washing programs, particularly for textile finishing agents, and do not allow for the selection of agent type or amount, nor do they accommodate different consistencies like liquids, gels, or powders effectively.
Innovation Solution
A method that allows users to stop and restart washing programs at predetermined times to add or remove laundry or treatment agents, using a control device to manage interruptions based on sensor data, enabling the use of various textile finishing agents in different forms and optimizing their application during specific program steps.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a washing machine uses fixed washing programs with predetermined rinse cycles, then the machine operates automatically with minimal user intervention, but the user cannot customize the addition of textile finishing agents or modify program steps
Solution Approach 1:
The washing machine system transitions from static, fixed washing programs to dynamic, user-modifiable programs. Users can interrupt the washing process at predetermined times, add textile finishing agents in various forms (liquid, gel, powder), and restart the program. The control device enables real-time program modification while maintaining automatic operation, allowing the system to adapt to user needs without losing ease of operation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the washing machine allows manual addition of fabric softener with automatic program modification, then the system becomes more adaptable to user needs, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The washing machine system enables users to perform finishing operations themselves by providing the capability to manually add textile finishing agents (liquid, gel, or powder forms) during the washing cycle. The control device automatically manages the program interruption and resumption, reducing the need for complex automated dosing systems while maintaining high adaptability to user preferences.
3Ease of operation
If the washing machine provides detailed instructions and warnings before use, then inexperienced users can operate the machine effectively, but the user interface complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The washing machine system provides instructions and warnings to users before the washing program starts or before critical operations. The control device displays guidance information in advance, allowing users to understand how to add textile finishing agents and modify programs without encountering unexpected complexity during operation. This preliminary information delivery simplifies the actual user interaction.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The method involves providing a washing machine (1) with a water supply (17) and a control device, where a washing program is stopped after a certain time period. A time period is provided by a sensor by measuring sensor signal from the control device.