Water Heater Coordination for Washing Machine Sanitization Cycles

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional water heater appliances are not set up to provide water at specific temperatures required for sanitization cycles in washing machines, leading to inefficiencies and increased time in heating water within the washing machine.

Innovation Solution

A method for supplying heated water from a water heater appliance to a washing machine, where the wash cycle is initiated only if the water heater's set point temperature is equal to or greater than the required temperature, and the volume of heated water is sufficient, or the cycle is delayed until the water heater reaches the necessary temperature and volume.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If water is heated within the washing machine appliance using a heating element, then the washing machine can achieve the required specific temperature for sanitization cycles, but the process becomes time consuming and inefficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespecific temperature for sanitization cycleVSAvoidtime consuming heating process

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The water heater appliance pre-heats water to the required specific temperature before the washing machine needs it. The system checks whether the water heater contains heated water at the required temperature and volume before initiating the wash cycle, eliminating the need for time-consuming heating during the wash cycle itself.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The water heater appliance acts as an intermediary device between the water supply and the washing machine. It provides pre-heated water to the washing machine, serving as a mediator that resolves the temperature requirement without requiring the washing machine's heating element to perform the heating function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Device complexity

If the water heater is not configured to provide water at specific temperatures, then the water heater can operate with simple temperature control, but the washing machine cannot efficiently perform sanitization cycles requiring specific temperatures

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewater heater temperature control simplicityVSAvoidsanitization cycle efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements feedback communication between the washing machine and water heater appliances. The washing machine communicates the required specific temperature and volume of heated water needed, and the water heater adjusts its operation accordingly, providing feedback on the status of heated water availability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The water heater's set point temperature is adjusted based on the requirements of the washing machine cycle. The system monitors whether the set point temperature is equal to or greater than the specific temperature required, and delays the wash cycle if the temperature parameter is not yet sufficient.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If the washing machine waits for the water heater to provide sufficient heated water, then the sanitization cycle can use pre-heated water efficiently, but the wash cycle must be delayed if temperature or volume requirements are not met

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesanitization cycle efficiencyVSAvoidwash cycle delay time

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary checks to determine whether the water heater contains sufficient heated water at the required temperature and volume before initiating the wash cycle. This preliminary verification prevents delays during the actual wash cycle by ensuring all temperature and volume requirements are met in advance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The water heater appliance autonomously monitors its own heated water inventory and set point temperature, and communicates this information to the washing machine. The system self-regulates by delaying the wash cycle only when necessary, without requiring external intervention or complex coordination.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS9951462B2Method for supplying heated water from a water heater appliance to a washing machine appliance

Publication Date: 2018.04.24 HAIER US APPLIANCE SOLUTIONS INC

AI summary

A method for supplying heated water from a water heater appliance to a washing machine appliance includes initiating a wash cycle of the washing machine appliance, directing heated water from a water heater appliance into the washing machine appliance if a set point temperature of the water heater appliance is equal to or greater than a specific temperature and/or if the water heater appliance contains a volume of heated water required for the wash cycle of the washing machine appliance, and delaying the wash cycle of the washing machine appliance if the set point temperature of the water heater appliance is not equal to or greater than the specific temperature and/or if the water heater appliance does not contain the volume of heated water required for the wash cycle of the washing machine appliance.