Method for remotely controlling a cleaning cycle of a household appliance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current household appliance cleaning cycles lack flexibility and real-time status monitoring, with mobile dispensing devices operating on prerecorded programs and experiencing inefficient wireless signal transmission due to environmental interference, limiting user control and insight into the cleaning process.
Innovation Solution
A method for remotely controlling cleaning cycles using wireless signals between a mobile dispensing device and an external electronic device, where signal strength is measured and compared to a threshold to enable or disable communication, allowing for real-time status updates and adaptive dosing strategies, while minimizing battery strain and accounting for environmental interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If wireless signal transmission is continuously enabled for real-time monitoring, then user insight into cleaning cycle status is improved, but energy consumption and signal interference increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic status reporting where the mobile dispensing device transmits cleaning cycle status information at predetermined time intervals rather than continuously. This periodic transmission approach provides users with regular updates on the cleaning process while significantly reducing energy consumption compared to continuous monitoring and transmission.
2Loss of information
If wireless signal transmission is continuously enabled, then real-time monitoring is improved, but signal attenuation and interference worsen
Solution Approach 1:
By transmitting status information at periodic intervals rather than continuously, the system reduces the total transmission time and number of signal exchanges. This periodic approach minimizes exposure to signal attenuation and interference from the household appliance environment while still providing timely status updates to users.
3Device complexity
If mobile dispensing device operates on prerecorded program, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to cleaning needs worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the mobile dispensing device receives status information about the cleaning cycle progress and can adjust its dispensing operations accordingly. This feedback loop enables the device to adapt to actual cleaning conditions and intensity requirements while maintaining relatively simple device architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic adaptability where the mobile dispensing device can modify its prerecorded program in real-time based on cleaning cycle status. The device transitions from static prerecorded operations to dynamic adaptive operations, adjusting dispensing timing and amounts according to actual cleaning needs without requiring complex pre-programming for every scenario.
4Loss of information
If user stands next to appliance to monitor cleaning cycle, then real-time information is obtained, but user convenience and time efficiency worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary communication system between the mobile dispensing device and the user. Status information about the cleaning cycle is transmitted wirelessly to the user's external electronic device, eliminating the need for the user to physically stand next to the appliance. This intermediary communication channel provides convenient remote monitoring while maintaining real-time information flow.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method and system remotely controlling a cleaning cycle of a household appliance using transmission of wireless signals is provided. Signals are transmitted between a mobile dispensing device arranged in the household appliance and an electronic device. The method determines the strength of a signal received by the mobile dispensing device. The determined strength is compared to a threshold value. If the determined strength is above the threshold value transmission of wireless signals from the mobile dispensing device to the electronic device is enabled. If the determined strength is below the threshold value transmission of signals from the mobile dispensing device to the electronic device is disabled. When transmission of signals is enabled, a status wireless signal comprising status information about the cleaning cycle is sent to the electronic device.