Laundry Machine Access Control With Automated Door Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
In commercial laundry facilities, users often face the risk of their laundry being tampered with or stolen due to the lack of secure locking mechanisms during washing and drying operations, as typical facilities rely on manual, timed, or no locking systems, leaving patrons to wait and multitask, which is inefficient and insecure.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for controlling laundry machines that includes a user device for selecting machines, operations, and parameters, with payment processing and locking mechanisms, allowing users to securely initiate and monitor their laundry operations, receive notifications, and extend or end usage, ensuring secure and convenient access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a manual lock or timed lock is used in commercial laundry facilities, then the locking mechanism is simple to implement, but the laundry security is poor and users must remain present during operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical locking systems with an automated electronic locking mechanism controlled by a processor. The system uses electronic signals to engage and disengage the lock based on payment confirmation and operational status, eliminating the need for manual intervention while enhancing security. This substitution of mechanical control with electronic automation resolves the contradiction by providing reliable security without requiring complex manual operation procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism operates autonomously based on predefined conditions: it automatically engages when payment is confirmed and operation begins, and automatically disengages when the operation completes or is interrupted. The system serves itself by monitoring its own state and executing locking/unlocking actions without user intervention, thereby providing high reliability while maintaining simplicity in the control logic.
2Reliability
If no locking mechanism is used, then the device complexity is minimal, but the laundry is vulnerable to theft and tampering
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an electronic locking system that replaces the absence of any locking mechanism. The processor-controlled lock provides automated security protection, ensuring laundry cannot be accessed during operation. This electronic substitution provides the necessary security reliability while keeping the system manageable through automated control logic rather than complex manual procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism acts as an intermediary between the payment system and the laundry operation. It mediates access control by blocking the door during operation and allowing access only when appropriate conditions are met. This intermediary function provides security without requiring the entire system to be complex, as the lock operates based on simple binary states (locked/unlocked) controlled by the processor.
3Loss of time
If users must remain present during laundry operation, then the laundry is secure, but the user loses time and cannot multi-task
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism provides self-service security by automatically engaging when the operation starts and disengaging when it completes. This eliminates the need for user presence to maintain security, allowing users to leave their laundry securely locked while they attend to other tasks. The system monitors its own state and executes locking/unlocking actions autonomously, resolving the contradiction by providing both time freedom and security reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The automated electronic locking system replaces the need for manual monitoring and physical presence. The processor-controlled lock provides continuous security protection without requiring user attention, enabling users to multi-task while their laundry operates securely. This mechanical-to-electronic substitution is the key to eliminating waiting time while maintaining high security reliability.
4Ease of operation
If an automated locking system is implemented, then user convenience is improved and time is saved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism operates autonomously based on predefined conditions, requiring no user action beyond initial payment and operation selection. The system automatically locks when the cycle begins and unlocks when it ends, providing maximum user convenience. The self-service nature means the complexity is contained within the automated system itself while the user experience remains simple and intuitive.
Solution Approach 2:
The electronic automated locking system replaces complex manual locking procedures with simple automated control. Users interact through a straightforward interface (select operation, pay, start), and the electronic system handles all locking/unlocking actions automatically. This substitution simplifies the user experience while containing the complexity within the electronic control system, which manages multiple functions through integrated processor control.
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.