A washing machine control method

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional washing machines fail to meet user performance expectations due to predefined washing programs not accounting for detergent type, laundry type, and water hardness variations, leading to user dissatisfaction, and existing smart washing machines require Internet access to customize programs.

Innovation Solution

A washing machine control method that allows users to optimize washing program parameters through a user interface without Internet connection, using machine learning and edge computing to update parameters based on user ratings, ensuring customized performance according to user preferences.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If washing programs are predefined according to standard algorithms, then device complexity is reduced and ease of operation is improved, but adaptability to user preferences and varying washing conditions deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoidadaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The washing machine automatically collects user feedback through the user interface, processes ratings locally using edge computing, and self-adjusts washing program parameters without requiring external cloud services or manual reconfiguration by the user

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically modifies washing program parameters (temperature, time, agitation intensity, etc.) based on user ratings and feedback, allowing the same washing machine to adapt its operation to different user preferences and washing conditions while maintaining a simple predefined program structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If Internet connection and cloud services are used for customization, then adaptability and user satisfaction are improved, but device complexity and dependency on external systems increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveadaptabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the cloud service dependency from the customization process by implementing edge computing capabilities directly in the washing machine, allowing parameter optimization to be performed locally without requiring external Internet connectivity or cloud infrastructure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The control unit acts as an intermediary by processing user feedback and optimizing washing parameters locally through embedded edge computing, eliminating the need for external cloud services while maintaining the ability to adapt to user preferences

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If washing programs are customized for each user, then user satisfaction and performance are improved, but device complexity and processing requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser satisfactionVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The washing machine performs automated parameter optimization using locally embedded edge computing capabilities, collecting user feedback through a simple interface and automatically adjusting washing programs without requiring complex external systems or manual intervention

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system optimizes washing program parameters (temperature, time, agitation, etc.) based on user ratings by making calculated adjustments to these parameters, enabling personalized washing programs through controlled parameter modifications rather than requiring completely custom program development

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP4206379B1A washing machine control method
Publication Date: 2024.09.04 ARCELIK AS
  • EP4206379B1 patent drawingFigure 1

AI summary

The present invention relates to a washing machine control method, which is used in a washing machine comprising a user interface for enabling the user to rate the washing parameters and a control unit which controls the operation of the washing machine, the control method comprising the steps of presenting the parameters of the washing program obtained as a result of the washing program to the evaluation of the user via the user interface during the washing program and/or after the washing program ends, updating the parameters of the washing program rated by the user with the ratings of the user, and running the next washing program in accordance with the updated parameters.