Washing machine comprising scent concentration sensor and control method thereof
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing washing machines do not adequately adjust the amount of additives based on user preferences, leading to unsatisfactory scent concentrations during laundry cycles.
Innovation Solution
A washing machine equipped with a concentration sensor to measure scent concentrations and a controller that adjusts cycles, such as adding more additive or performing additional rinse cycles, to meet user preferences, along with input interfaces for setting desired scent levels and notification systems for feedback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a relatively large amount of additive is used, then the scent intensity increases, but some users may not be satisfied with the scent intensity
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the parameter of additive amount dynamically based on detected scent concentration and user preferences. The controller adjusts the quantity of additive supplied in subsequent cycles based on feedback from the scent concentration sensor, transforming a fixed parameter into a variable one that adapts to user needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where the scent concentration sensor continuously monitors the actual scent level in the washing machine, and this information is used by the controller to adjust future additive supply. The system compares detected concentration with user-preferred levels and modifies behavior accordingly, creating a closed-loop control system.
2Quantity of substance
If a relatively small amount of additive is added, then the scent intensity decreases, but other users may feel that the scent of the additive is strong
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the parameter of additive amount dynamically based on detected scent concentration and user preferences. The controller adjusts the quantity of additive supplied in subsequent cycles based on feedback from the scent concentration sensor, transforming a fixed parameter into a variable one that adapts to user needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where the scent concentration sensor continuously monitors the actual scent level in the washing machine, and this information is used by the controller to adjust future additive supply. The system compares detected concentration with user-preferred levels and modifies behavior accordingly, creating a closed-loop control system.
3Device complexity
If automatic detergent supply is facilitated merely by a motor and a pump, then the supply process is simplified, but no feature of adjusting the supplied amount of detergent based on a preference of a user is considered
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where the scent concentration sensor continuously monitors the actual scent level in the washing machine, and this information is used by the controller to adjust future additive supply. The system compares detected concentration with user-preferred levels and modifies behavior accordingly, creating a closed-loop control system.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces simple mechanical control (motor and pump only) with an intelligent control system that incorporates a scent concentration sensor and controller. This substitution enables the system to perceive scent levels and make intelligent decisions about additive supply, transforming a purely mechanical system into an intelligent control system.
4Productivity
If the amount of an additive added is not adjusted based on the preference of each user, then the washing process is straightforward, but user satisfaction with scent concentration is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where the scent concentration sensor continuously monitors the actual scent level in the washing machine, and this information is used by the controller to adjust future additive supply. The system compares detected concentration with user-preferred levels and modifies behavior accordingly, creating a closed-loop control system.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables itself to automatically adjust additive supply based on detected scent concentrations and stored user preferences. The controller autonomously decides whether to supply additional additive without requiring manual user intervention, allowing the system to serve itself in adapting to user preferences.
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
Enables precise adjustment of additive amounts based on user preferences, ensuring optimal scent concentrations during and after laundry cycles, improving user satisfaction and operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a concentration sensor configured to sense a scent concentration of an additive measured in the washing tub
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided are a washing machine (1000) capable of reflecting a preference of a user regarding use of an additive, and a control method thereof. The washing machine (1000) according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes an additive supplying part (30) coupled to a washing tub (10) to supply an additive to the washing tub (10), a concentration sensor (100) configured to sense a scent concentration of an additive measured in the washing tub (10), and a controller (200) configured to switch the washing tub (10) to an additional laundry cycle mode according to the scent concentration sensed by the concentration sensor (100).