Door opening aid for washing machines

Abstract

A door operating aid for washing machines, consisting of: i) a rectangular frame 101 designed to be installed near a washing machine door, wherein a plurality of suction cups are arranged on the rear part of the frame 101 to adhere to the surface of the washing machine and to secure the frame 101 to the washing machine; ii) an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit installed on the frame 101 and paired with a processor to capture and process multiple images near the frame 101 or to determine the dimensions of the door's edges; iii) a U-shaped clamping device 102 with a pair of curved plates 103 attached to the frame 101, wherein a motorized hinge joint is integrated between the plates 103, which is actuated by an integrated microcontroller to cause a converging / diverging movement of the plates 103 in order to generate a clamping movement for the clamping device 102 with respect to sensing the door edges; iv) Several motorized extension balls 201 are arranged on the inner circumference of the plates 103 to impart the necessary movement to the clipper 102 so that it can be properly positioned at the door, the device being wirelessly connected to the machine's control unit by means of a communication module to monitor inputs from a user operating the machine, along with the duration of the washing of clothes in the machine; and v) an electromagnetic spring integrated between the Clipper 102 and the frame 101, actuated by the microcontroller to extend / retract in order to exert an optimal amount of push / pull force on the Clipper 102 together with the gripped door, to open / close according to the user's inputs in order to allow the user access to the inner part of the machine.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a washing machine door operating aid capable of operating a washing machine door by determining the dimensions of the edges of the door and monitoring the duration of washing laundry in the machine, thereby managing the entire process with minimal human intervention. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Washing machines offer convenience, efficiency, and time savings for various household chores. Washing machines automate the laundry process, reducing manual labor and ensuring better cleaning results. Washing machine doors play a crucial role, containing water and detergent during the wash cycle, preventing leaks, and ensuring safety. They also provide access for loading and unloading laundry, making them an essential part of the appliances' functionality and convenience. Early washing machines were typically operated manually, often with simple latches or hinges. While these mechanisms were simple and reliable to a certain extent, they relied heavily on user interaction, increasing the likelihood of human error.

[0003] With the increasing automation of washing machines, mechanical locks and hinges were incorporated into the door designs to ensure secure closure. However, these devices still had limitations, such as the potential for wear over time, resulting in reduced reliability and the need for frequent maintenance. Recent advances in washing machine technology have led to the integration of advanced features into the door opening mechanisms that vent steam and moisture after the wash cycle to prevent mold growth. While these features improve user comfort and hygiene, they also increase the complexity and cost of the washing machine, making it less accessible to certain segments of the population.

[0004] CN202830550U discloses an automatic door opener for a washing machine. The automatic door opener for the washing machine includes a washing machine body, electromagnets, a locking hook, and a locking latch. The locking hook is attached to a washing machine door, the locking latch is attached to the washing machine body according to the position of the locking hook, and the electromagnets are respectively mounted above the locking hook and the locking latch. The automatic door opener for the washing machine has the advantages of being extremely simple in structure, easy to implement, and convenient to manufacture, enabling healthier and safer use of the washing machine. CN'550 facilitates the automatic door opener for the user.However, the cited disclosure lacks a means for operating a washing machine door by monitoring the dimensions of the door edges together with the duration of washing laundry in the machine in order to automate the entire washing process.

[0005] CN105420999A discloses an automatic door opening device for a washing machine. The automatic door opening device includes a washing machine main body, a cabin door of the washing machine main body is provided with an automatic door opening device body, and a control system therefor. According to the automatic door opening device for the washing machine, when the washing machine is in standby mode or the washing machine's work is finished, a door cover of the washing machine is automatically opened and a human body infrared induction sensor detects that a user is within the detection range for X seconds, and the time the user takes to open the door cover is stored.Although CN'999 operates the door of a washing machine, the cited device is not capable of exerting an ideal pressure on the gripped door to open or close it, allowing the user to easily and without difficulty access the interior of the machine.

[0006] Conventionally, many devices are available on the market that are capable of operating the washing machine door. However, the currently available devices are unable to provide the user with a means to operate the washing machine door based on the dimensions of the door edges along with the duration of washing clothes in the machine, thus rendering the washing process non-automatic.

[0007] To overcome the above-mentioned disadvantages, there is a need in the art to develop a device capable of providing a means for operating the washing machine door by monitoring the dimensions of the door's edges. Furthermore, the proposed device should be capable of exerting an ideal pressure on the gripped door to open or close it, allowing the user to easily access the interior of the machine. OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The main object of the present invention is to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art.

[0009] An object of the present invention is to develop a device capable of providing a means to operate a door of washing machines by monitoring the dimensions of the edges of the door together with the duration of washing laundry in the machine, thereby handling the entire process in an automated manner.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device capable of exerting an ideal pressure on the gripped door to open or close it, allowing the user to access the internal part of the machine.

[0011] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device capable of reducing the noise of the machine during operation.

[0012] The foregoing and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become readily apparent upon closer examination of the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0013] The present invention relates to a washing machine door operating device capable of providing a means for operating a washing machine door based on the dimensions of the door's edges along with the duration of laundry washing in the machine, thereby automating the entire process. Furthermore, the proposed device is capable of reducing the noise of the machine during operation, thus creating a noise-free environment during operation.

[0014] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a washing machine door operation assist device comprises a rectangular frame designed to be installed near a washing machine door; a plurality of suction cups arranged at the rear of the frame to secure the frame to the washing machine; an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit installed on the frame to determine the dimensions of the door edges; a U-shaped clamp having a pair of curved plates attached to the frame; a motorized hinge joint integrated between the plates to impart a clamping movement to the clamp to grip the edges of the door; a plurality of motorized pop-out balls arranged on the inner periphery of the plates to impart the necessary movement to the clamp to properly attach it to the door;An electromagnetic spring integrated between the clamp and the frame to apply an optimal amount of push / pull force to the clamp to be opened / closed. A motorized ball joint integrated between each of the springs and the frame to give the spring an omnidirectional movement to open / close the door properly.

[0015] While the invention has been described and shown with particular reference to the preferred embodiment, it will be apparent that variations are possible which would fall within the scope of the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following description, the appended claims and the accompanying drawings: Fig. shows an isometric view of a door operating aid for washing machines; and Fig. shows an isometric top view of a door operating aid for washing machines. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0017] The following description comprises the preferred best mode of carrying out an embodiment of the present invention. From this description of the invention, it will be apparent that the invention is not limited to the illustrated embodiments, but that the invention also includes a variety of modifications and embodiments thereto. Therefore, the present description should be considered as illustrative and not restrictive. While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative constructions, it should be understood that there is no intention to limit the invention to the specific form disclosed, but on the contrary, the invention is intended to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the claims.

[0018] In any embodiment described herein, the open-ended terms “comprising,” “comprises,” and the like (which are synonymous with “including,” “with,” and “characterized by”) may be replaced by the respective partially closed terms “consists essentially of,” “consists essentially of,” and the like, or the respective closed terms “consists of,” “consists of,” and the like.

[0019] The singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” used here refer to both the singular and the plural, unless expressly intended to refer to only the singular.

[0020] The present invention relates to a washing machine door operating aid capable of enabling the user's desired operation (e.g., door opening, etc.) on a washing machine door by monitoring the dimensions of the door edges along with the duration of laundry washing in the machine. Furthermore, the proposed device is also capable of exerting optimal pressure on the grasped door to open or close it, allowing the user to access the interior of the machine.

[0021] In Fig. is an isometric view and an isometric top view of a washing machine door operating aid comprising a rectangular frame 101, a U-shaped clipper 102 with a pair of curved plates 103, and a plurality of motorized pop-out balls 201 arranged on the inner periphery of the plates 103.

[0022] The device described here consists of a rectangular frame 101 designed to be mounted near the door of a washing machine. The frame 101 is equipped with a fabric with sound-absorbing properties to reduce the noise of the machine during operation, thus creating a noise-free environment.

[0023] At the same time, several suction cups (areas 2-4) are attached to the rear part of the frame 101 to adhere to the surface of the washing machine, thus securing the frame 101 to the washing machine. The suction cups are used to create a vacuum seal between the surface and the frame 101. When the suction cups are pressed against the surface, the initial contact creates a seal between the suction cup and the surface, sealing the area inside the suction cup. The suction cup is designed to hold relatively tightly even if the surface is not perfectly smooth.

[0024] Here, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit is installed on the frame 101, which is operated by a built-in microcontroller to capture multiple images near the frame 101 to determine the dimensions of the door's edges. The artificial intelligence-based imaging unit is equipped with a camera lens and a processor, with the camera lens configured to capture a series of images of the environment near the frame 101. The processor performs a series of image processing operations, including preprocessing, feature extraction, and classification.

[0025] The image captured by the imaging unit is a real-time image of the surroundings of the frame 101. The artificial intelligence-based imaging unit transmits the captured image signal in the form of digital bits to the microcontroller. Upon receiving the image signals, the microcontroller compares the received image signal with the data stored in a database and continuously determines the dimensions of the door edges. The frame 101 is configured with a U-shaped scissor 102 consisting of a pair of curved plates 103. A motorized hinge joint is arranged between the plates 103. This motorized hinge is actuated by the microcontroller to cause the plates 103 to converge and diverge, allowing the scissor 102 to detect the edges of the door.

[0026] The hinge consists of a pair of wings connected by a rod. The rod is coupled to a motor connected to the microcontroller to converge or diverge the plates 103 to grip the door edges. After gripping the door edges, the microcontroller actuates several motorized extension balls 201 mounted on the inner perimeter of the plates 103 to move the scissors 102 to properly position it over the door.

[0027] The pop-up balls 201 typically use an electric motor to control the movement of the balls 201. The motor is the core component responsible for generating the required movement. It converts electrical energy into mechanical energy, thus generating the necessary torque that drives the balls 201. As the motor rotates, the motorized balls 201 move the clipper 102 to position it correctly over the door.

[0028] Furthermore, the device is wirelessly connected to the machine's control unit using a communication module (e.g., mobile phones, laptops, etc.) to monitor the inputs of a user operating the machine, as well as the duration of washing clothes in the machine. Furthermore, an electromagnetic spring is arranged between the clipper 102 and the frame 101, which is actuated by the microcontroller to extend or retract to apply a required amount of pushing or pulling force to the clipper 102, as well as the gripped door to be opened or closed, depending on the user's inputs, to allow the user access to the internal part of the machine.

[0029] The electromagnetic spring is designed with special electromagnetic properties, and when current flows through it, it generates a magnetic field that is controlled to adjust the force exerted by the spring. The electromagnetic springs allow for dynamic adjustments, and the clipper 102 and the gripped door are opened or closed to allow the user access to the interior of the machine. The springs are wrapped in a stretchable fabric to protect them from water droplets.

[0030] At the same time, the microcontroller actuates a motorized ball joint embedded between each spring and the frame 101 to move the spring in all directions, thus properly opening and closing the door. The motorized ball joint consists of a spherical element that fits into a socket, providing freedom of rotation in various directions. The ball is connected to a motor, usually a servomotor, that enables omnidirectional movement.

[0031] The spring is attached to the socket of the motorized ball joint. The motor reacts by adjusting the ball joint, rotating the ball in the desired direction. This movement is transferred to the bushing that holds the spring. The movement of the ball joint moves the spring in all directions, and the movement of the spring allows the door to be opened and closed.

[0032] A battery is connected to the device to power the electrically powered components used within it. The battery consists of a pair of electrodes called the cathode and anode. The battery uses a chemical reaction of oxidation / reduction to perform work on the charge and generate a voltage between its anode and cathode, thus generating electrical energy that is used to perform work in the device.

[0033] The present invention works in the following manner, wherein the proposed device for washing machines consists of the rectangular frame 101 designed to be installed near the door of the washing machine, a plurality of suction cups to attach the frame 101 to the washing machine, the artificial intelligence-based imaging unit to determine the dimensions of the door edges, the U-shaped clipper 102 with the pair of curved plates 103, the motorized hinge joint to impart the squeezing movement to the clipper 102 with regard to gripping the door edges, several motorized pop-out balls 201 to provide the required movement for the clipper 102 to be properly accommodated on the door, the electromagnetic spring to apply the optimal amount of pushing / pulling force to the clipper 102 to be opened / closed,and the motorized ball joint to provide omnidirectional movement for the spring to properly open / close the door.

[0034] Although the scope of the invention has been described herein with limited reference to specific embodiments, this description is not intended to be construed in a limiting sense. Various modifications of the disclosed embodiments, as well as alternative embodiments of the invention, will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the description of the invention. QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] CN 202830550U

[0004] CN 105420999A

[0005]

Claims

[1] A door operating aid for washing machines, consisting of: i) a rectangular frame 101 designed to be installed near a door of a washing machine, wherein a plurality of suction cups are arranged on the rear part of the frame 101 to adhere to the surface of the washing machine and fix the frame 101 to the washing machine; ii) an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit installed on the frame 101 and paired with a processor to capture and process multiple images in the vicinity of the frame 101 or to determine the dimensions of the edges of the door; iii) a U-shaped clamping device 102 having a pair of curved plates 103 fixed to the frame 101, wherein a motorized hinge joint is integrated between the plates 103, which is actuated by a built-in microcontroller to cause a converging / diverging movement of the plates 103 to produce a clamping movement for the clamping device 102 with a view to detecting the door edges; iv) a plurality of motorized extension balls 201 are arranged on the inner periphery of the plates 103 to impart the necessary movement to the clipper 102 so that it can be properly accommodated against the door, the device being wirelessly connected to the control unit of the machine by means of a communication module to monitor inputs from a user operating the machine, together with the length of time clothes are washed in the machine; and v) an electromagnetic spring integrated between the clipper 102 and the frame 101 and actuated by the microcontroller to extend / retract to apply an optimal amount of pushing / pulling force to the clipper 102 together with the gripped door to be opened / closed according to the user's inputs to allow the user access to the internal part of the machine. [2] The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the frame 101 is made of a fabric having noise absorbing properties to reduce the operating noise of the machine. [3] The device of claim 1, wherein the springs are wrapped with a stretchable fabric to protect the springs from water droplets. [4] Device according to claim 1, wherein a motorized ball joint is integrated between each of the springs and the frame 101 to give the spring an omnidirectional movement for correct opening / closing of the door. [5] The device of claim 1, wherein a battery is configured with the device to provide a continuous power supply to electronically operated components connected to the device.

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