Clothing processing apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional laundry treating apparatuses require users to physically interact with control panels, limiting their ability to control the apparatus from a distance, as they need to move closer to input commands.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of a voice recognition module within the door of the laundry treating apparatus, which includes a microphone and analyzer to recognize user voice commands and transmit corresponding control instructions to the controller, allowing for voice-activated operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional button or touch screen input module is used, then the control panel structure is simple and reliable, but the user cannot control the apparatus from a distance and must physically approach the control panel
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical button/touch screen input system with a voice recognition system. The voice recognition module includes a microphone that converts sound waves into electrical signals, which are then processed by a controller to execute commands. This substitution eliminates the need for physical contact with the control panel while maintaining reliable control functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The voice recognition module acts as an intermediary between the user and the control system. Instead of direct mechanical interaction with buttons, the user's voice commands are captured by the microphone, converted to electrical signals, and interpreted by the controller, which then executes the appropriate operations. This intermediary layer enables remote control while keeping the overall system architecture manageable.
2Ease of operation
If a voice recognition module is added to enable remote control, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The voice recognition module is integrated with the existing control system by connecting the microphone to the controller. The controller already exists in the apparatus to manage operations, so the voice recognition functionality is merged into this existing control architecture rather than creating a completely separate system. This reduces the overall complexity increase by reusing existing components.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller serves multiple functions: it manages the existing button/touch screen inputs and now also processes voice recognition outputs. By making the controller universal and capable of handling both types of input, the patent avoids duplicating control functionality, thereby minimizing the increase in device complexity while maximizing operational flexibility.
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
Enables users to control the laundry treating apparatus remotely through voice commands, enhancing convenience and usability by eliminating the need for physical proximity to the control panel.
Implementation Method 1
a microphone fixed to the seating body and positioned inside the accommodating chamber
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a clothing processing apparatus comprising: a cabinet provided with an inlet; a first chamber provided inside the cabinet to provide a space in which clothes are accommodated and communicating with the inlet; a second chamber provided inside the cabinet and forming a space separated from the first chamber; a supply unit, provided inside the second chamber, for supplying at least any one of air and moisture to the first chamber; a door having a first body rotatably fixed to the cabinet to open and close the inlet, and a second body fixed to the first body to form a front side of the cabinet; a control unit for controlling the supply unit; and a voice recognition unit, provided in the door, for recognizing a voice generated by a user and transmitting a control command corresponding to the recognized voice to the control unit.