Laundry washing machine
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Solution Overview
Problem
Laundry washing machines lack the ability to customize washing performance levels and efficiently manage water hardness, leading to suboptimal cleaning results.
Innovation Solution
A laundry washing machine with a water softening system that allows users to select from different washing performance levels by controlling the mixture of fresh and softened water, using ion-exchange resins and capacitive deionization technology to adjust water hardness, and incorporating improved washing programs that include phases with softened, mix, and fresh water.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a water softening system is implemented to improve washing performance, then washing efficiency increases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit integrates multiple functions by automatically selecting washing programs and controlling the water softening system based on stored program data. This multi-functionality allows the system to manage both washing operations and water softening without adding separate control devices, thereby improving washing efficiency while limiting the increase in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system stores washing program data in advance in the control unit, including information about when to use softened water versus fresh water. This preliminary preparation allows the system to automatically execute the optimal washing sequence without real-time complex decision-making, enhancing washing performance while keeping the control system manageable.
2Productivity
If softened water is used throughout all washing phases, then washing performance improves, but water consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies different water qualities to different washing phases based on stored program data. Softened water is used during phases where it provides the most benefit (such as main washing phases), while fresh water is used in phases where it is sufficient (such as final rinse phases). This localized application of water softening improves washing performance while reducing overall water consumption compared to using softened water throughout.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of applying water softening to all washing phases (excessive action), the system applies it partially only to the phases where it is most needed. The control unit determines the optimal phases for softened water based on stored program information, achieving effective washing performance without the unnecessary water consumption that would result from softening all water used in the cycle.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple washing performance levels are offered, then user adaptability improves, but control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit dynamically adjusts washing program parameters and water softening control based on user-selected performance levels. The system can switch between different program configurations stored in memory, allowing it to adapt to various user needs (basic, intermediate, high performance) without requiring separate hardware systems for each level. This dynamic reconfiguration provides user adaptability while keeping control complexity manageable through software-based solutions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system offers multiple washing performance levels by changing operational parameters such as the extent of water softening, washing temperature, and cycle duration. The control unit stores different parameter sets for each performance level and selects the appropriate set based on user input. This parameter-based differentiation provides versatile user options without adding significant control complexity, as all adjustments are made through software parameter selection rather than hardware changes.
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
Enhances washing efficiency by increasing the washing performance index, allowing for better stain removal without the need for additional detergent or increased temperature, thereby improving user satisfaction and machine performance.
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
Implementation Method 2
using ion-exchange resins and capacitive deionization technology to adjust water hardness
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
Laundry washing machine (1) comprising an outer casing (2), a washing tub (3), which is arranged inside the casing (2), a rotatable drum (4), which is arranged in axially rotating manner inside the washing tub (3) and is designed to receive laundry to be washed, a detergent dispensing assembly (12), which is designed for supplying laundry detergent into the washing tub (3), a water softening system (14), which is 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 to the detergent dispensing assembly (12) and/or to the washing tub (3), during one or more softened water laundry washing phases, a control panel (28) which is configured to allow the operator to input information associated with the washing performance, and a controller (15) 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 the washing performance information.