NFC Washing Machine Control for Model-Specific Course Selection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing washing machine control systems lack an intuitive and user-friendly method for easy usage and diagnosis, particularly across different models, which complicates the operation and maintenance of washing machines.

Innovation Solution

A washing machine control system that includes a tag unit for storing model information and a mobile device with a tag communication module, allowing users to select and transmit operation courses via NFC, enabling the washing machine to perform specific operations based on received information.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a washing machine control system uses traditional control interfaces, then the device structure remains simple, but the ease of operation and diagnosis across different models deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of use and diagnosisVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal control system where a mobile device can control multiple washing machine models through NFC communication. The control unit receives operation courses from the mobile device and executes them regardless of the specific washing machine model, making the control interface universal across different devices and models.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a mobile device as an intermediary between the user and the washing machine control system. The mobile device stores operation courses and transmits them to the washing machine via NFC, serving as a mediator that simplifies the control interface while maintaining system functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If model-specific operation courses are stored in the washing machine, then the adaptability to different models improves, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemodel-specific operationVSAvoidinformation storage and management
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the operation course storage function from the washing machine and places it in the mobile device. The washing machine's control unit only needs to receive and execute operation courses transmitted via NFC, while the mobile device handles the complexity of storing and managing model-specific operation courses.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses NFC technology to copy operation course information from the mobile device to the washing machine's control unit. This copying mechanism allows model-specific operation courses to be transferred efficiently without requiring complex storage and management systems in the washing machine itself.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

3Reliability

If information exchange between mobile device and washing machine is implemented, then the reliability of operation course transmission improves, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinformation exchange reliabilityVSAvoidcommunication system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex communication systems with NFC (Near Field Communication) technology. NFC provides a simple, reliable, and contactless communication method for transmitting operation course information between the mobile device and the washing machine control unit, eliminating the need for complex wired communication systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This solution provides an intuitive method for users to operate and diagnose washing machines by allowing model-specific operation courses to be selected and executed through a mobile device, enhancing user convenience and reliability of information exchange.

Implementation Method 1

a tag unit that includes a tag storage unit that stores model information; and a transmitting and receiving unit that transmits the model information based on a mobile device being tagged; and a mobile device that includes a tag communication module that receives the model information based on being tagged by the tag unit

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectNFC (Near Field Communication):

Data Source

PatentEP2789725B1Washing machine control system and method of controlling the same
Publication Date: 2016.08.17 LG ELECTRONICS INC
  • EP2789725B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2789725B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2789725B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A washing machine control system and a method of controlling the same are provided. The washing machine control system comprises a washing machine (1) having a tag unit (240) that includes a tag storage unit (242) that stores model information; and a transmitting and receiving unit (244) that transmits the model information based on a mobile device (2) being tagged. The washing machine control system further includes a mobile device (2) that includes a communication device (330) that receives the model information based on being tagged by the tag unit (240) and information about a plurality of operation courses associated with the model information; a display (340) that displays information; and a control unit (310) that controls the display to display an operation course list comprising the plurality of operation courses.