Foreign matter recognition method and device

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Solution Overview

Problem

Washing machines often suffer damage due to foreign objects like keys, coins, or mobile phones being accidentally placed inside garments, which can also damage the garments and pose a risk to the machine's operation.

Innovation Solution

A foreign matter recognition method and device that uses X-ray scanning or ultrasonic waves to detect foreign objects within garments, with metal sensing capabilities, and prompts users through sounds or displays to remove the objects before washing, preventing damage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Difficulty of detecting and measuring

If X-ray scanning or ultrasonic wave detection is used to detect foreign objects, then detection capability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveforeign object detection capabilityVSAvoiddetection system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Difficulty of detecting and measuringVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses X-ray scanning or ultrasonic waves as intermediary detection methods to indirectly detect foreign objects within garments. Instead of direct contact sensors, these waves penetrate the fabric and reflect off or absorb by foreign objects, providing detection capability without requiring complex internal sensor arrays within the washing machine drum.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If metal sensing parts are used to detect foreign objects, then detection accuracy for metal objects is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemetal object detection accuracyVSAvoidsensing system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical sensing systems with electromagnetic field-based metal sensing parts. These sensing components detect changes in electromagnetic fields caused by the presence of metal foreign objects, providing accurate metal detection without requiring mechanical contact or complex mechanical sensor arrays.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Loss of information

If prompt systems (sound or display) are added to alert users, then user awareness is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser awareness of foreign objectsVSAvoidprompt system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms through sound prompts or display screens that immediately notify users when foreign objects are detected. The detection system provides real-time feedback to the user, allowing them to remove foreign objects before the washing cycle begins, preventing damage to garments or the washing machine.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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

Effectively alerts users to the presence of foreign objects, preventing damage to both garments and washing machines by ensuring timely removal, thus enhancing operational safety and reducing maintenance costs.

Implementation Method 1

the garment to be washed is scanned using a X ray scanning part or through ultrasonic wave to acquire a scanned image of the garment to be washed

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectX-ray: X-Ray

Implementation Method 2

the garment to be washed is scanned using a X ray scanning part or through ultrasonic wave to acquire a scanned image of the garment to be washed

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectUltrasonic wave: Ultrasound

Data Source

PatentEP3453794B1Foreign matter recognition method and device
Publication Date: 2021.09.29 BEIJING XIAOMI MOBILE SOFTWARE CO LTD
  • EP3453794B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3453794B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3453794B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to a foreign matter recognition method and device. The method includes that: it is detected whether a garment to be washed that is placed in a washing device meets a foreign matter recognition condition; in the case that the garment to be washed meets the foreign matter recognition condition, it is recognized that a foreign matter exists in the garment to be washed; and a prompt indicating existence of the foreign matter is given. According to an embodiment of the present invention, it is detected whether the garment to be washed that is placed in the washing device meets the foreign matter recognition condition, and in the case that the foreign matter recognition condition is met, it is recognized that the foreign matter exists in the garment to be washed, and the prompt indicating existence of the foreign matter is given, so that a user is prompted to timely clean the foreign matter in the garment to be washed to avoid damage brought by the foreign matter.