A washing machine
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current washing machines require significant human interaction for operation, including sorting, loading, and selecting wash cycles, which can lead to overloading and inefficiencies, particularly for users with busy schedules or physical limitations.
Innovation Solution
A washing machine equipped with a weight sensor and transfer mechanism that automatically moves laundry from a container to the drum when a threshold is reached, along with an RFID reader or optical camera for cycle determination, allowing for fully automated wash cycles without user input.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If automatic transfer mechanism is implemented, then user effort is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The washing machine system performs self-service by automatically monitoring the weight of laundry in the container via weight sensor, determining when the threshold is reached, and initiating the transfer process without requiring user intervention. The system also automatically selects and executes the appropriate wash cycle based on the detected laundry weight and type, making the machine serve itself rather than requiring continuous user operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical loading operations with an automated transfer mechanism. The weight sensor (electronic detection) substitutes for manual user assessment of laundry weight, and the automated transfer system (using suction or mechanical conveyance) replaces the manual action of placing laundry into the drum, thereby reducing user effort while managing complexity through electronic control systems.
2Reliability
If weight-based automatic transfer is implemented, then overloading is prevented, but measurement precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback control by continuously monitoring the weight of laundry in the container using a weight sensor, comparing the measured weight against a pre-determined threshold value, and automatically initiating the transfer process when the threshold is reached. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures reliable overloading prevention by responding to real-time weight measurements and adjusting the system state accordingly.
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
Reduces user effort and prevents overloading by automating the wash process, ensuring tailored wash cycles based on item type and weight, minimizing manual intervention and potential damage to garments.
Implementation Method 1
a weight sensor for sensing the weight of items in the container
Implementation Method 2
a suction mechanism which moves items from the container to the drum
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3A~4
Figure 5
AI summary
The invention provides a washing machine (2) comprising: a drum (4); a container (14a, 14b) for holding items to be washed; a weight sensor for sensing the weight of items in the container; and a means (16a, 16b) for automatically transferring the items from the container to the drum when the weight sensed by the weight sensor reaches a pre-determined threshold. The invention also provides a method for washing items using a washing machine.