Mobile Laundry Machine Access Using Beacon-Based Reservation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional commercial laundry businesses face inefficiencies due to the need for coins or value cards, which are not user-friendly and can be unsafe for customers, as they require carrying monetary value and may not be staffed at all hours.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a system where laundry machines are controlled through remote signals based on the proximity of a mobile device, allowing users to reserve and use machines via a mobile app, eliminating the need for physical currency and enhancing safety by managing access.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If coins or tokens are used to operate washers or dryers, then the business can operate, but it is not user-friendly due to the potentially large number of coins or tokens required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser-friendlinessVSAvoidnumber of coins or tokens

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical coin/token insertion system with an electronic payment system. Users can pay through a mobile device interface, online account, or other electronic means, eliminating the need to physically handle and insert large quantities of coins or tokens into the washing machines.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary control system between the user and the washing machine. This control system manages payment processing, machine activation, and operation monitoring, replacing the direct mechanical interaction of inserting coins into the machine's coin box.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If value cards are used to eliminate coins or tokens, then the business model improves, but users must carry monetary value on a card, rendering it unavailable for other purposes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelimination of coins or tokensVSAvoidavailability of monetary value for other purposes

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the physical value card system with electronic payment methods. Users can pay through mobile devices, online banking, or other digital payment systems, eliminating the need to carry physical cards with monetary value while maintaining the convenience of contactless payment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables a universal payment system that can handle multiple payment methods (mobile payments, online accounts, digital wallets) through a single interface, replacing the specialized value card system and allowing users to access their funds through various channels for different purposes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Productivity

If traditional laundromats are publicly accessible and unstaffed, then operational costs are reduced, but customers may not feel safe at all hours of the day

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational cost efficiencyVSAvoidcustomer safety

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a monitoring and notification system that tracks machine usage, detects anomalies, and can alert authorities or facility managers in case of suspicious activity. The system provides real-time feedback on facility conditions while maintaining unstaffed operation, balancing safety with cost efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a digital intermediary system that mediates between users and the facility. This includes mobile app integration for user verification, payment processing, and emergency communication, as well as connected surveillance systems that provide remote monitoring without requiring physical staff presence.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 system optimizes the use of laundry machines, reduces power consumption, and provides a more convenient and secure experience for users by allowing reservations and controlled access, leading to efficient machine allocation and usage patterns.

Implementation Method 1

receiving a beacon signal detected using a wireless network interface of a mobile computing device, a beacon signal emitted from a laundry machine

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS10168678B2Interfacing with laundry services and facilities

Publication Date: 2019.01.01 WASHLAVA INC

AI summary

Techniques are described for providing access to and use of laundry machines that are managed and controlled in a laundry service. A transceiver of a mobile device may receive a beacon signal emitted from a laundry machine, the beacon signal identifying the laundry machine. Based on a received strength of the beacon signal the mobile device may determine that it is within a threshold distance of the laundry machine, and the mobile device may communicate a request for use of the laundry machine during a predetermined period of time (e.g., one or more cycles). In some cases, the mobile device may present a user interface that enables a user to request use of laundry machine(s), access information describing a status of laundry in laundry machine(s), request additional service(s), and so forth.