Washing Machine Modular Control Method for User-Customized Programs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional washing machines have predefined washing programs that fail to adapt to user-specific parameters such as detergent type, laundry type, and water hardness, leading to dissatisfaction and limited control over energy, water, and time consumption.
Innovation Solution
A washing machine control method that allows users to customize washing programs through a mobile interface using 'gamification' by selecting and modifying modules for input, washing, and output parameters, including laundry type, water amount, energy consumption, and spin-drying levels, while ensuring safety limits are maintained.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If predefined washing programs are used, then device complexity is reduced and ease of operation is improved, but adaptability to user-specific parameters deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The washing program is divided into multiple selectable modules (washing module, rinsing module, spin-drying module), each containing specific parameters. Users can independently select and customize parameters within each module, transforming a monolithic predefined program into a flexible组合 of configurable segments that adapt to user needs while maintaining operational simplicity.
2Device complexity
If predefined washing programs are used, then device complexity is reduced, but user control over energy, water, and time consumption deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides dynamic parameter adjustment within predefined safety limits. Users can modify parameters such as water amount, energy consumption, and time duration in real-time based on their preferences and conditions, while the system dynamically validates these changes against safety constraints, enabling flexible user control without increasing perceived device complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If users can customize washing programs, then adaptability and user control are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates safety limit validation that provides immediate feedback to users when their parameter selections exceed acceptable ranges. The control unit automatically detects and notifies users of violations, guiding them to adjust parameters within safe boundaries. This feedback mechanism enables extensive user customization while maintaining effective device complexity management through automated constraint enforcement.
4Adaptability or versatility
If extensive parameter selection is provided, then adaptability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The comprehensive parameter set is organized into distinct functional modules (washing, rinsing, spin-drying), each presenting only relevant parameters for that stage. This segmentation allows users to focus on specific aspects of the washing process without being overwhelmed by the complete parameter space, improving ease of operation while maintaining full adaptability across all modules.
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The present invention relates to a washing machine control method comprising a mobile interface suitable for enabling the user to select the washing program and the parameters thereof, and the control method comprises the steps of determining at least one input module enabling the user to select parameters according to the characteristics of the laundry to be washed in the washing machine via the mobile interface, at least one washing module enabling the user to select parameters according to the characteristics of the washing program and at least one output module enabling the user to select the parameters according to the characteristics desired to be obtained by the laundry at the end of the washing program, and transferring to the user the washing program consumption parameters obtained as a result of the selected input module, washing module and output module.