Laundry machine for washing functional clothes or delicate clothes and controlling method of the same
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional washing courses are not suitable for functional clothes like sports wear and delicate fabrics such as pure cotton or linen, leading to damage, shrinkage, and loss of function due to inappropriate temperature, washing time, and drum rotation settings, necessitating professional laundry services which are inconvenient.
Innovation Solution
A controlled washing method for washing machines that includes a steam supply unit, setting the washing temperature to 27-33°C, using two rinses with alternating hot and cold water, and a spin-drying step at 360-440 rpm to prevent damage and maintain hygiene, with options for neutral or alkali detergents based on fabric type.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional washing courses are used for functional clothes and delicate fabrics, then washing effectiveness is improved, but fabric damage and shrinkage occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying washing temperature (27-33°C range), drum rotation speeds (washing: 40-60 rpm, spin-drying: 360-440 rpm), and time parameters (washing time, rinsing time) to create optimized washing courses that effectively clean delicate fabrics while preventing damage and shrinkage
Solution Approach 2:
The washing process is segmented into distinct phases: washing step with steam and controlled drum rotation, first rinsing step with hot water, and second rinsing step with cold water. Each phase has specific parameter settings tailored to protect delicate fabrics while maintaining washing effectiveness
2Reliability
If higher washing temperature is used to improve washing performance, then washing effectiveness increases, but fabric damage and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes washing temperature to a specific range of 27-33°C, which is lower than conventional high-temperature washing. This parameter change maintains effective washing performance through steam and controlled mechanical action while reducing fabric damage and energy consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes steam (phase transition from water to vapor) for washing delicate fabrics and functional clothes. The steam provides effective cleaning at lower temperatures compared to conventional hot water washing, reducing fabric damage while maintaining washing performance
3Reliability
If longer washing time is used to improve cleaning effectiveness, then washing performance increases, but fabric damage and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes washing time parameters within specific ranges (washing step: 15-30 minutes, first rinsing: 5-15 minutes, second rinsing: 5-15 minutes) to achieve effective cleaning of delicate fabrics and functional clothes while minimizing unnecessary time consumption and fabric exposure to mechanical stress
4Reliability
If conventional drum rotation settings are used to improve washing action, then washing effectiveness increases, but fabric damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements specific drum rotation speed parameters: 40-60 rpm during washing step and 360-440 rpm during spin-drying step. These optimized parameters provide sufficient mechanical action for effective washing while minimizing fabric damage through controlled rotation speeds
Solution Approach 2:
The drum rotation is segmented into different speed phases: slow rotation (40-60 rpm) during washing with steam for gentle agitation, and faster rotation (360-440 rpm) during spin-drying for water removal. This segmentation provides appropriate mechanical action for each phase without causing fabric damage
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 method provides effective washing without damaging delicate or functional clothes, comparable to conventional wool washing courses, while minimizing fabric shrinkage and maintaining hygiene, making it suitable for frequent wear items like sports wear and underwear.
Implementation Method 1
The steam supply unit vaporizes water with heat to provide steam to the drum 130
Implementation Method 2
The steam supply unit is provided with a heat generating unit 210 for vaporizing water with heat
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a washing machine and a washing machine controlling method. The method comprises a selection of a functional or a delicate washing course (S10), a washing step (S20) with steam, having a washing temperature set about 27-33 C, a rinsing step (S30) and a spinning step (S40). The present invention can provide a washing effect the same as the related art washing course, while giving no damage to the clothes.