Washing Process Control Using Turbidity Profiles for Detergent Type Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing washing machine control methods fail to accurately differentiate between different types of detergents, leading to incorrect interpretations of turbidity caused by laundry soiling, as they do not account for the distinct turbidity behaviors of powdered and liquid detergents, which can result in misinterpretation of washing liquid turbidity measurements.
Innovation Solution
The method involves detecting and recording turbidity values over a specific duration during the washing process to determine the type of detergent used, allowing for real-time adjustment of the washing program based on the detergent type, with specific profiles for soluble and insoluble powder detergents and liquid detergents, ensuring accurate differentiation and process control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If turbidity measurement is used to control washing process, then washing process control is improved, but misinterpretation of turbidity caused by different detergent types occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of detergent type by measuring turbidity values during the detergent addition phase (first time period) before the main washing process. This preliminary action identifies whether soluble or insoluble detergent is being used, allowing the control unit to subsequently interpret turbidity measurements correctly throughout the washing process.
Solution Approach 2:
The washing process is divided into distinct time periods: a first time period for detergent addition where preliminary turbidity measurements identify detergent type, and subsequent periods where the control unit uses this identification to interpret turbidity measurements. This segmentation allows different measurement interpretation strategies for different process phases.
2Device complexity
If detergent type is not differentiated, then washing process is simplified, but incorrect interpretation of laundry soiling occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit uses feedback from preliminary turbidity measurements during detergent addition to automatically adjust its interpretation of subsequent turbidity measurements. When soluble detergent is detected, the system expects different turbidity patterns compared to insoluble detergent, allowing accurate laundry soiling assessment without increasing physical device complexity.
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 approach prevents misinterpretation of turbidity measurements by accounting for detergent-related turbidity changes, ensuring accurate assessment of laundry soiling and optimizing the washing process, reducing errors and improving washing machine performance.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor for detecting a value for the turbidity of the washing liquid
Data Source
Figure 1~3
AI summary
The method for the control of a washing process is to be carried out in a washing machine controllable with a program control device. The washing machine is to be equipped for this purpose with a detergent-adding device and with a sensor for the detection of a value T for the clouding of the washing liquid. So that the washing machine recognizes the type of detergent used and can adapt the chosen washing process thereto, the course PL1, PL2 of the clouding values T are detected and plotted for a certain duration D of a section A+B of the washing process, during which detergent is added to the washing liquid. In addition the detergent type is determined from the plotted course PL1, PL2, and the washing process