Laundry treating device and method for its operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Laundry treating devices, such as washing machines, face challenges in adapting to different types of fibers, leading to wear on the laundry and the environmental issue of microfibers from synthetic fibers being flushed into sewage.
Innovation Solution
A laundry treating device with a rotatable drum and variable protrusions that adjust their height and shape based on the type of laundry, using sensors to monitor the drive current and rotation position, allowing for precise adaptation of the treatment process to the weight, size, and fiber composition of the laundry.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If fixed protrusions are used in the drum, then the structure is simple and reliable, but the laundry treating process cannot be adapted to different fiber types
Solution Approach 1:
The protrusions are designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing them to change position between a first position (protruding into the drum) and a second position (retracted). This dynamic capability enables adaptation to different laundry types and treatment requirements without complicating the overall structure
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the position parameter of the protrusions to adapt to different fiber types. By moving protrusions between different positions, the laundry treating process can be optimized for various materials (cotton, polyester, wool) without requiring completely different structures
2Object-affected harmful factors
If standard protrusions are used, then manufacturing is easy, but wear on laundry and microfiber formation cannot be minimized
Solution Approach 1:
Movable protrusions allow the system to adjust its interaction with laundry dynamically. During gentle cycles, protrusions can be retracted to minimize wear and microfiber formation, while during intensive cycles, they can protrude to provide thorough treatment
Solution Approach 2:
The position parameter of protrusions is changed based on the type of laundry being treated. For delicate synthetic fabrics, protrusions are kept retracted to prevent microfiber formation, while for durable fabrics, they are positioned to provide effective agitation
3Adaptability or versatility
If protrusions are made variable and movable, then laundry treating can be adapted to specific fiber types, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses sensors to automatically detect the type of laundry in the drum and autonomously adjusts protrusion positions accordingly. This self-service capability eliminates the need for manual intervention while providing tailored treatment for different fiber types
Solution Approach 2:
Sensors provide feedback about the laundry load (fiber type, weight, volume) to the control system, which then adjusts protrusion positions in real-time. This closed-loop control enables precise adaptation to different fiber types without requiring complex manual adjustment mechanisms
4Productivity
If sensors and variable protrusions are added, then treatment process optimization is achieved, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically detects laundry characteristics using sensors and self-adjusts protrusion positions without user intervention. This automation improves treatment efficiency while keeping the control system relatively simple through rule-based decision making
Solution Approach 2:
The sensors serve multiple functions: detecting fiber type, load weight, and drum fill level. The same sensor system supports various treatment modes (washing, drying, refreshing), making the added complexity serve multiple productivity-enhancing purposes
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 solution improves laundry treatment by reducing wear, minimizing microfiber formation, and optimizing energy use, while effectively detecting the fiber composition to tailor the process for better cleaning and environmental sustainability.
Implementation Method 1
The shape of the protrusions may be changed by a shape memory spring. The shape memory spring is being activated by the temperature of the water used in the washing process.
Implementation Method 2
A drive motor for rotating the drum is provided
Implementation Method 3
current sensor means are provided for supervising the drive current being supplied to the drive motor
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3A~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
A laundry treating device such as a washing machine has a rotatable drum having a circumferential drum wall for placing the laundry in, a drive motor for the drum, a power control unit for supplying a drive current to the drive motor, current sensor means for supervising the drive current supplied to the drive motor, rotation position sensor means for supervising a rotation position of the drum and at least one protrusion on an inside of the circumferential drum wall. The protrusion is variable and flexible in its height over the inside of the circumferential drum wall and in its outer shape. Actuation means are provided for effecting a change of height and shape of the protrusion. Various curves for the current with varying shape of the protrusions may be recorded and compared with pre-stored reference curves for different types of laundry from various fibers.