A washing method for washing machines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current washing machines require user input for selecting washing programs, leading to potential discoloration, insufficient cleaning, or texture deterioration if the selected program is not suitable for the laundry type, amount, or dirt level.
Innovation Solution
A method that automatically adjusts washing programs in washing machines by using sensors to detect laundry features, including water flow, turbidity, color, and temperature, without requiring user input, using a processing unit to control the drum and valve operations based on sensor data to determine optimal washing, rinsing, and spinning cycles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If user selects washing program manually, then user can control washing parameters, but washing program may not be suitable for laundry leading to discoloration, insufficient cleaning, or texture deterioration
Solution Approach 1:
The washing machine automatically detects laundry features using sensors (water flow sensor, water level sensor, turbidity sensor, color sensor, temperature sensor) and independently determines optimal washing parameters without user input, enabling the system to serve itself by selecting appropriate washing programs based on detected laundry characteristics
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual user selection (mechanical operation) with automated sensor-based detection and processing unit analysis, where electronic sensors and computational algorithms substitute for human decision-making in selecting washing parameters
2Extent of automation
If multiple sensors are used to detect laundry features, then washing parameters can be determined automatically, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple sensors detect different features of the same laundry load (water flow, water level, turbidity, color, temperature), and all these sensors work together as an integrated system to comprehensively characterize the laundry, allowing one unified control system to handle diverse detection data and determine optimal washing parameters
3Manufacturing precision
If washing parameters are adjusted according to detected laundry features, then washing quality improves, but measurement and detection difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses water as an intermediary medium to indirectly detect laundry features. Sensors measure properties of water (turbidity, color, temperature, flow) that change in response to laundry characteristics, converting difficult-to-measure laundry properties into easier-to-measure water properties
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
Ensures optimal washing, rinsing, and spinning cycles are determined automatically, eliminating the need for user input and reducing issues like discoloration and texture deterioration by accurately assessing laundry features through sensor data analysis.
Implementation Method 1
at least one water level sensor to detect pressure of the water in the drum and to convert the measured pressure value into a frequency value
Implementation Method 2
at least one turbidity sensor to measure turbidity of the water in the drum
Implementation Method 3
at least one color sensor to detect colour of the laundry which is placed inside the drum
Implementation Method 4
at least one temperature sensor to detect temperature of the water in the drum
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
A washing method suitable for use in washing machines which comprise the tub, the drum, the motor, the valve, the water flow sensor, the water level sensor, the turbidity sensor, the colour sensor, the temperature sensor, and the processing unit, the washing method comprising the steps of: receiving water into the tub for the first time (t1); start of rotation of the drum; for the second time (t2), measuring the pressure of water in the drum and converting it into a frequency value; when the frequency value reaches to the first frequency value (f1), receiving water until the frequency value reaches to the second frequency value (f2), and repeating this operation for the second time (t2); when the second time (t2) is completed, measuring the total water amount (V2) received into the machine, and determining a spinning speed; performing washing operation according to the washing cycle which is determined with respect to the total water amount (V2) value; at the end of the washing operation, carrying out the dirt level measurement; with reference to the dirt level measurement, determining whether to finalise the washing or perform the additional washing operation, and determining the rinsing number; and performing the operations of rinsing and spinning.