Washing Machine Load Monitoring for Remote Cycle Start
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users often miss washing opportunities due to infrequent laundry weight checks, leading to prolonged washing times and missed cycles, especially when away from home.
Innovation Solution
A method for controlling a washing machine that includes a control panel with a wireless communication module, a driving unit, and a controller that stores laundry weight information and detection periods, allowing for periodic weight checks and remote start commands via internet communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If laundry weight is not periodically checked, then user convenience is improved (no monitoring needed), but washing opportunities are missed and washing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The washing machine performs self-monitoring of laundry weight through periodic automatic detection without requiring user intervention. The system autonomously tracks weight changes and notifies users when the preset weight is reached, eliminating the need for manual checking while ensuring timely washing.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by periodically detecting laundry weight and transmitting notifications to the user's mobile terminal when the preset weight is reached. This closed-loop feedback mechanism informs users of washing readiness without requiring continuous manual monitoring, resolving the contradiction between convenience and timely washing.
2Productivity
If laundry weight is periodically detected, then washing opportunities are captured timely, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller performs laundry weight detection at periodic intervals rather than continuously, reducing computational burden and system complexity while still capturing washing opportunities timely. The periodic detection cycle balances monitoring effectiveness with resource consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system monitors changes in laundry weight parameter over time and triggers notifications based on reaching a preset threshold. This parameter-based approach simplifies the detection logic compared to continuous analysis, maintaining washing efficiency while reducing control complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If remote notification is implemented, then users can start washing remotely even when away from home, but loss of information occurs without internet connectivity
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the internet and mobile terminal as intermediaries to transmit washing readiness notifications and control commands between the washing machine and user. This intermediary communication channel enables remote operation while the system acknowledges potential connectivity issues may cause information loss.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method is provided for controlling a washing machine including a control panel, a wireless communication module transmitting and receiving a signal through the internet, a driving unit including a driving motor, and a controller controlling an operation of the driving unit. The method includes, storing in the controller washing condition information including laundry weight information for washing, a laundry weight detection period or time, and active washing or not, counting a period or time for detecting the laundry weight, detecting a current laundry weight when the laundry detection period or time arrives, and transmitting a message notifying that the current laundry weight reaches a preset laundry weight to a server for washing control application through the internet, when the current laundry weight reaches the preset laundry weight.