Protocol Gateway for Multi-Machine Chemical Dispensing Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing chemical dispensing systems are inadequate for managing multiple washing machines, as they struggle to provide accurate information about operational states beyond trigger signals and are not well-suited for multi-appliance environments.
Innovation Solution
A chemical dispensing system featuring a system controller and protocol gateway that adapts communication protocols and physical layers to receive and transmit information from multiple washing machines, enabling precise dispensing of chemical products based on the state of each machine, including laundry load and water conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional signal interface module is used to receive trigger signals from washing machines, then the system can operate with a single washing machine, but the system cannot accurately determine operational states in multi-appliance environments and is not suitable for multi-machine systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a protocol gateway as an intermediary device between washing machines and the central controller. This gateway receives data from multiple washing machines using various communication protocols, translates and adapts it to a standardized format, and forwards it to the controller. This intermediary layer enables the system to handle multiple appliances with different communication protocols while maintaining accurate operational state information.
Solution Approach 2:
The protocol gateway is designed with multi-functional capabilities to support multiple communication protocols (Modbus, BACnet, LonWorks, etc.) and multiple washing machines simultaneously. This universal design allows a single system to adapt to different appliances and communication standards without requiring separate dedicated interfaces for each machine type.
2Measurement precision
If voltage signals are tapped from washing machine components to determine operational state, then the system can receive trigger signals, but the system cannot accurately determine detailed operational states such as laundry load and water conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/electrical signal tapping method with electronic digital communication. Instead of tapping voltage signals from relays and switches, the system uses digital data communication protocols to transmit operational state information directly from the washing machine's control system to the dispensing system, enabling precise measurement of operational states without complex electrical signal analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
The protocol gateway serves as an intermediary that receives detailed operational data from washing machines through digital communication protocols. It translates this data into a standardized format that the central controller can process, enabling accurate determination of operational states including laundry load, water conditions, and cycle phase without requiring complex signal analysis at the source.
3Productivity
If a centralized system controller directly manages multiple washing machines, then coordination between machines is possible, but communication protocol compatibility and data standardization become problematic
Solution Approach 1:
The protocol gateway acts as a communication intermediary between diverse washing machines and the centralized controller. It receives data from multiple machines using their native protocols (Modbus, BACnet, LonWorks, etc.), translates and standardizes the data format, and forwards it to the controller in a unified format. This enables the centralized system to efficiently coordinate multiple machines without being burdened by protocol compatibility issues.
Solution Approach 2:
The system architecture is segmented into three functional layers: the washing machine layer (appliance side), the protocol gateway layer (translation side), and the central controller layer (management side). This segmentation allows each layer to operate independently with its own optimization - washing machines use their native protocols, the gateway handles protocol translation, and the controller focuses on centralized coordination and chemical dispensing control.
Data Source
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AI summary
Systems and methods for dispending chemical products to a washing machine in a multi-washing machine environment. A chemical dispensing system includes a system controller and a protocol gateway. The system controller is configured to cause the chemical dispensing system to selectively dispense a respective amount of one or more products to one or more washing machines of a plurality of washing machines. The protocol gateway is configured to receive first information indicative of a state of a first washing machine of the plurality of washing machines. The first information received by the protocol gateway is transmitted over a first physical layer according to a first communication protocol. The protocol gateway adapts the first information from the first communication protocol to a second communication protocol, and transmits the first information to the system controller according to the second communication protocol over a second physical layer.