Washing Machine Door Lock Authorization for Delayed Clothes Retrieval
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Solution Overview
Problem
Self-service washing machines face issues where users cannot retrieve their clothes in time after a cycle ends, leading to potential loss or incorrect retrieval, with existing solutions failing to ensure security and efficient machine utilization.
Innovation Solution
A control method and system for a washing machine door lock that allows users to authorize others to retrieve clothes by sending unlocking instructions via radio communication or voice, using verification codes like barcodes or images, enabling delayed access and secure retrieval.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the door lock remains locked after washing ends, then clothes security is improved, but machine utilization deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by sending notifications to users before the door lock unlocks, and provides advance authorization capabilities. This allows users to prepare for clothes retrieval while ensuring the door remains securely locked until the appropriate time, thus maintaining both security and enabling timely machine utilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The server acts as an intermediary between the user and the door lock system. It manages authorization, sends notifications, and controls the unlocking timing, thereby maintaining clothes security through centralized control while enabling flexible machine utilization through authorized access mechanisms.
2Productivity
If the door lock unlocks automatically after washing ends, then machine utilization is improved, but clothes security deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback mechanisms by notifying users via messages when washing ends and when the door will unlock. This feedback loop ensures users are aware of the unlocking timing, allowing the system to maintain security through controlled notification-based unlocking while improving machine utilization through timely access.
Solution Approach 2:
The system sends preliminary notifications to users before the door unlocks, informing them of the washing completion and upcoming door unlock. This preliminary action maintains security by ensuring only notified users can access their clothes while improving machine utilization by coordinating unlock timing with user availability.
3Reliability
If authorization system is implemented, then clothes security is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The server performs multiple functions including authorization management, notification sending, and door lock control within a single system. This multi-functionality improves clothes security through comprehensive authorization management while minimizing system complexity by avoiding the need for separate dedicated components for each function.
Data Source
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AI summary
A control method and system for a door lock of a washing machine (11) are provided. The method includes: obtaining, by an authorizing end, a verification code, and sending the verification code to an authorized end, where specifically, the authorizing end requests the verification code from a server (12), and the server (12) receives the request of the authorizing end and returns the verification code to the authorizing end (S601); verifying, by the authorized end, the verification code (S602); and sending verification success information to the server (12) when the verification succeeds, so that the server sends an unlocking control instruction to the washing machine (S603). According to the method, others can be authorized to get back clothes, and security of the clothes already washed can be ensured.