IoT Washing Machine Timer-Based Shutdown to Reduce Standby Energy Loss
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing Internet of Things washing machines often remain in an Internet-connected standby state, leading to energy wastage and increased safety hazards due to prolonged idle periods, which negatively impacts user experience and safety.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a control method that connects the washing machine to the Internet only when in use, utilizing timers to automatically shut down the machine when idle for predetermined periods, ensuring safe and energy-efficient operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the washing machine remains in Internet-connected standby state to enable real-time remote control, then remote control capability is improved, but energy consumption increases and safety hazards arise
Solution Approach 1:
The washing machine alternates between standby state and shutdown state based on timer conditions. The control unit periodically checks whether the current time reaches the shutdown time, and if so, shuts down the washing machine to save energy. This periodic switching resolves the contradiction by enabling remote control when needed while conserving energy during idle periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts its state between standby and shutdown based on real-time conditions. The control unit continuously monitors the timer and automatically transitions the washing machine between operational states, making the system adaptive rather than static. This dynamic behavior allows the machine to provide remote control capability when necessary while minimizing energy consumption during extended idle periods.
2Ease of operation
If the washing machine remains in Internet-connected standby state, then remote control capability is improved, but safety hazards increase
Solution Approach 1:
The washing machine periodically evaluates whether to remain in standby or shut down based on timer conditions. By regularly checking if the current time reaches the shutdown time, the system ensures that prolonged standby states are avoided, thereby reducing safety hazards while maintaining remote control capability during appropriate periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit continuously monitors the timer and provides feedback to determine whether to maintain standby state or initiate shutdown. This feedback mechanism ensures that the washing machine responds appropriately to elapsed time, automatically transitioning to shutdown after the predetermined period to eliminate safety hazards associated with extended standby operation.
3Loss of energy
If the communication module is powered off to save energy, then energy consumption is reduced, but remote control functionality is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The communication module operates in a periodic manner, remaining active during standby state for remote control functionality and being powered off during shutdown state to conserve energy. The control unit periodically determines whether to maintain or power off the communication module based on timer conditions, thus resolving the contradiction between energy savings and remote control availability.
4Loss of energy
If the washing machine automatically shuts down after idle period, then energy savings are achieved, but user convenience is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by setting a shutdown time in advance based on a predetermined idle period. The control unit uses this pre-calculated shutdown time to automatically determine when to power off the washing machine, eliminating the need for user intervention while achieving energy savings. This preliminary setup maintains user convenience by automating the decision-making process.
Solution Approach 2:
The washing machine serves itself by automatically monitoring the timer and initiating shutdown when the idle period expires. The control unit independently determines whether to power off the washing machine without requiring user input, thus achieving energy savings while maintaining ease of operation through automation. The system effectively manages its own power state based on predefined criteria.
Data Source
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AI summary
The disclosure provides an Internet of Things washing machine control method, a control system, and a washing machine. The control method comprises the steps of S1, when a power module of the washing machine detects a startup signal, starting up the washing machine, and enabling a communication module to start to connect with the Internet; S2, judging whether the communication module is successfully connected with the Internet or not, if yes, activating a remote control function and entering the next step, and if no, directly entering the next step; S3, judging whether the washing machine receives an operating command of running a clothes washing program or not, if yes, executing the operating command and entering the next step, and if no, directly entering the next step; S4, judging whether to shut down the washing machine or not, if yes, entering the next step, and if no, returning to the step S3; and S5, sending a shutdown signal to the power module, shutting down the washing machine, and powering off the communication module. According to the method, system, and washing machine provided by the disclosure, the electric energy can be saved, the security of the washing machine can be improved, and meanwhile the user experience can be enhanced.