Distributed networked laundry machine control and operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
In commercial laundry facilities, users face the challenge of securing their laundry during washing and drying operations, as existing systems often lack effective locking mechanisms, leaving their belongings vulnerable to theft due to the need to remain present or wait for extended periods.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for controlling and managing laundry machines, enabling users to select and lock machines via a user interface, receive payment, initiate operations, and extend time as needed, with notifications and fee structures for timely unlocking to prevent additional charges.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a manual lock or timed lock mechanism is used in commercial laundry facilities, then the locking function is simple to implement, but the security of laundry is insufficient and users must remain present or wait for extended periods
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a microprocessor-based control system as an intermediary between the user and the locking mechanism. This controller receives user input, manages the locking sequence, and coordinates with the payment system, thereby enhancing security while keeping the physical locking components relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service locking where the user initiates and controls the locking process themselves through the microprocessor controller. The user places laundry in the machine, activates the lock through the control interface, and the system automatically secures the load without requiring staff intervention or complex external locking mechanisms.
2Reliability
If users must remain in the laundry facility during washing and drying operations, then laundry security is maintained, but user convenience is reduced and time is wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary locking action when the user places laundry in the machine and activates the control interface. The microprocessor controller secures the laundry load before the user needs to leave, allowing users to depart confidently knowing their laundry is already locked and secure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical locking systems that require physical presence with an electronically controlled locking mechanism managed by a microprocessor. This substitution allows remote monitoring and control, enabling users to lock and secure their laundry without remaining physically present in the facility.
3Ease of operation
If no locking mechanism is used, then the system is simple to operate, but laundry is vulnerable to theft and security is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The microprocessor-based controller serves as an intermediary that manages the locking function in a user-friendly manner. It handles the complexity of security operations internally while presenting a simple interface to users, thus maintaining ease of operation while significantly improving laundry security.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides self-service security where users can independently lock and secure their laundry through the control interface. This eliminates the need for staff intervention or complex external security systems while maintaining both simplicity and effectiveness in protecting laundry from theft.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, system and apparatus for the controlling laundry machines in a laundry facility. A user device receives a list of machines for a laundry facility and displays them on a machine control user interface. The user may then make a selection of a machine, a selection of an operation type and a selection of one or more operational parameters associated with the selected operation type. The selection of the operation type and the one or more operational parameters may be made on the user device or on the selected machine. The machine control user interface may then display the user selections, an estimated duration and a cost. The estimated duration and cost may be based on the selected machine, selected operation type and the one or more selected operational parameters.