Laundry washing machine and method for controlling a laundry washing machine
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Solution Overview
Problem
Laundry washing machines lack the ability to customize washing performance based on user needs, with existing systems not effectively utilizing water softening to enhance washing efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A laundry washing machine equipped with a water softening system that can supply softened or mixed water, controlled by an electronic system to execute improved washing performance programs, allowing users to select from various washing performance levels by adjusting the type of water used during different phases of the wash cycle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a water softening system is implemented to improve washing efficiency, then washing performance index increases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the water softening system with the existing washing machine water supply system. The softening system integrates with the detergent dispensing assembly and washing tub water supply, merging multiple water treatment functions into a unified system that operates during standard washing cycles without requiring separate independent systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The water softening system is designed to serve multiple functions: it supplies softened water to the detergent dispensing assembly for optimal detergent activation, provides softened water directly to the washing tub for improved washing performance, and can operate in different modes (softened water only, fresh water only, or mixed water) depending on the selected program. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by delivering comprehensive washing performance enhancement.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple water supply modes (softened, fresh, mixed) are implemented to provide customization, then adaptability increases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts water supply composition based on user-selected programs. The control system can vary the proportion of softened versus fresh water supplied to different components (detergent dispensing assembly vs. washing tub) during different phases of the washing cycle, allowing flexible adaptation to various washing needs while using a single integrated water supply system.
Solution Approach 2:
Different water qualities (softened or fresh) can be supplied to different locations within the washing machine simultaneously - softened water to the detergent dispensing assembly for optimal detergent performance, and either softened or fresh water to the washing tub depending on the program. This localized quality differentiation provides customization without requiring completely separate supply systems for each function.
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
The system significantly improves washing efficiency by increasing the washing performance index without requiring additional detergent or increased washing temperature, providing customizable and effective washing cycles based on user input.
Implementation Method 1
a water softening system, which is designed to receive fresh water from a water mains and reduce the hardness degree of the fresh water in order to supply softened water
Data Source
AI summary
Laundry washing machine (1) having an outer casing (2), a washing tub (3), arranged inside the casing (2), a rotatable drum (4), arranged in axially rotating manner inside the washing tub (3) and designed to receive laundry to be washed, and a detergent dispensing assembly (12), designed for supplying laundry detergent into the washing tub (3). The washing machine also has a water softening system (14), designed to receive fresh water from a water mains (13) and reduce the hardness degree of the fresh water in order to supply softened water the detergent dispensing assembly (12) and/or to the washing tub (3), during one or more softened water laundry washing phases, and a control panel (28) configured to allow operator to input information associated with washing performance/s. A controller (15) is configured to control the water softening system (14) in order to perform a washing program comprising one or more softened water laundry washing phases based on input washing performance/s information.