Laundry Appliance Remote Control Mode for Standby Power Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional laundry treating apparatuses consume a large amount of standby power when in remote control mode due to continuous power supply to all operational elements, leading to inefficiency.

Innovation Solution

A method that selectively supplies power only to the driving unit and communication unit when a remote control command is received, cutting off power to unnecessary components during standby operations and releasing the remote control mode when the door is open, and disconnecting power in case of errors to minimize power consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If power is supplied to all elements required to operate the laundry treating apparatus in remote control mode, then the apparatus can be immediately operated when a control command is transmitted, but standby power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimmediate operation capabilityVSAvoidstandby power consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSUse of energy by stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The control apparatus segments power supply control by component type, supplying power selectively to different components (driving unit, water supply valve, drain pump, communication unit) based on operational mode. In remote control mode, only the communication unit receives power, while other components remain powered off until needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The power supply system dynamically adjusts which components receive power based on the operational mode (remote control mode vs. other modes). The controller transitions between different power supply states, enabling immediate operation when needed while minimizing standby consumption during remote control operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If power is supplied to all elements required to operate the laundry treating apparatus, then all functions are available, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunctional availabilityVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments functional availability by mode, with the controller determining which components should be operational based on the selected mode. This allows full functional availability when needed while reducing power consumption during remote control operations where only communication is required.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the operational state parameter of different components based on the selected mode. In remote control mode, the power supply parameter is changed to off for most components while remaining on for the communication unit, thereby adapting functionality to match current needs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Use of energy by stationary object

If the laundry treating apparatus remains in remote control mode, then power consumption is minimized, but the apparatus cannot execute operations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestandby power consumptionVSAvoidoperation execution capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by stationary objectVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The power supply configuration dynamically transitions from a low-power state (remote control mode with only communication unit powered) to a high-power state (other modes with all components powered) based on operational requirements. This allows the system to minimize power consumption during standby while fully executing operations when commanded.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3252204B1Method of controlling laundry treating apparatus
Publication Date: 2020.07.01 LG ELECTRONICS INC
  • EP3252204B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3252204B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3252204B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Disclosed is a method of controlling laundry treating apparatus (100) including supplying power to a driving unit configured to rotate a drum (5), an input unit (911) configured to input a control command and a communication unit configured to receive a remote control command transmitted from a remote control device, setting a remote control mode so as to operate the driving unit (71) if the communication unit (97) receives the remote control command, and executing a standby operation so as to cut off power supply to the driving unit and to maintain power supplied to the communication unit, when the remote control mode is set.