Washing Machine Water Heating Offset for Shorter Wash Cycles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current washing machine programs that aim for short running times often compromise on washing performance, delivering only a freshening effect rather than a thorough wash, especially with running times of less than an hour, and result in higher energy consumption.
Innovation Solution
A method that involves heating the laundry in a washing machine by setting the water temperature higher than the target laundry temperature, calculated by the control unit, to achieve faster heating and shorter cycles, with the offset value being inversely proportional to the target temperature and the amount of water, ensuring effective heat transfer and minimizing laundry damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the running time of washing programs is extended to save energy, then energy consumption is reduced, but the productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-heating a portion of the washing water to a temperature higher than the final target laundry temperature before the washing cycle begins. This pre-heated water is then mixed with cooler water during washing, allowing the laundry to reach the target temperature faster without requiring extended heating periods, thus reducing total energy consumption while maintaining short cycle times.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the temperature parameter dynamically by using different water temperatures at different stages of the washing cycle. Specifically, it uses pre-heated water (higher temperature) during the initial washing phase to quickly raise laundry temperature, then transitions to lower temperature water for subsequent phases, optimizing both energy efficiency and washing speed throughout the cycle.
2Productivity
If the running time of washing programs is reduced, then the productivity increases, but the washing performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses preliminary action by pre-heating water before the washing cycle starts. This ensures that when the washing begins, the laundry is rapidly brought up to the required temperature, enabling thorough washing performance to be achieved within a short time frame rather than requiring extended cycle times.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial or excessive action by heating a portion of the water to a temperature higher than the final target laundry temperature. This excessive pre-heating of part of the water volume provides sufficient thermal energy to quickly heat the laundry to the required temperature, ensuring washing performance is not compromised despite the reduced overall cycle time.
3Speed
If water is heated to a higher temperature to reduce heating time, then the heating speed increases, but the laundry may be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by heating only a portion of the washing water to a high temperature, rather than heating all the water to the maximum temperature. This localized high-temperature heating provides sufficient heat transfer speed to quickly warm the laundry, while the remaining cooler water in the system prevents excessive temperature exposure that could damage the laundry.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses partial action by heating only part of the water volume to an elevated temperature above the target laundry temperature. This partial overheating of a subset of water provides the necessary thermal energy for rapid laundry heating, while the limited volume and subsequent mixing with cooler water ensures the temperature override does not cause laundry damage.
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 allows for quicker attainment of the desired laundry temperature, enhancing washing performance while significantly reducing overall cycle time without compromising energy efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a heating element, in order to heat the water to a target water temperature
Implementation Method 2
the laundry is to be heated using a specified amount of water to an externally specified target laundry temperature
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for washing laundry in a washing machine with a tub and a control unit and with at least one washing phase in which the laundry is to be heated using a specified amount of water to an externally specified target laundry temperature (T1), which is controlled by a control element can be specified. The amount of water is heated to a target water temperature (T2) above the target laundry temperature (T1), which is calculated by the control unit based on the target laundry temperature (T1).