System for commercial laundry services and facilities
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional commercial laundry businesses face inefficiencies due to the need for coins or value cards, which are not user-friendly and can make customers feel unsafe, especially in unstaffed facilities.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a system that allows laundry machines to be controlled remotely using mobile devices, where users can request and reserve machine use based on proximity, eliminating the need for physical payment methods and enhancing security by limiting access to authorized users.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional coin or token payment systems are used in laundromats, then monetary transactions can be processed, but user-friendliness deteriorates due to the need to carry and handle large numbers of coins or tokens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical coin/token insertion system with an electronic mobile device-based payment system. Users interact with the laundry machine through a mobile application that communicates wirelessly with the machine, eliminating the need for physical coins or tokens. The system uses electronic signals and software interfaces to process payments and control machine operation.
2Ease of operation
If value cards are used to eliminate coins or tokens, then payment convenience improves, but user-friendliness deteriorates because users must carry monetary value on a card
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the monetary value storage function from physical cards and relocates it to electronic accounts associated with mobile devices. The payment system uses wireless communication to transfer value information from the mobile device to the laundry machine, eliminating the need for users to physically carry value cards while maintaining electronic payment capabilities.
3Productivity
If traditional laundromats are made publicly accessible without staffing, then operational costs decrease, but customer safety deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the laundry machine communicates with the user's mobile device throughout the wash cycle. The system provides real-time status updates, cycle progress information, and notifications to the user, creating a sense of connection and monitoring even in an unstaffed environment. This feedback loop enhances user confidence and safety perception.
4Adaptability or versatility
If laundry machines remain idle waiting for users, then machine availability increases, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by having laundry machines operate in idle standby mode rather than remaining fully powered on. The machines can be remotely activated through wireless communication when a user initiates a wash cycle, allowing them to remain in a low-power state until needed. This periodic activation reduces energy consumption while maintaining availability.
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques are described controlling and managing machines to provide laundry services. A request may be received from a mobile device of a user, the request indicating that the mobile device is in proximity to a laundry machine such as a washer or dryer. In some cases, the request is sent by the mobile device based on detecting, at the mobile device, a wireless signal transmitted from the laundry machine. In some cases the request may include a code that identifies the laundry machine, the code being displayed by the machine and/or encoded in a scannable code displayed by the machine. In response to the request, a signal may be sent to activate the laundry machine and enable the user to use the laundry machine for a predetermined period of time (e.g., a cycle). In some cases, the activation signal is sent if the user's payment is successfully processed.