Washing machine system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional washing machines without a clock function cannot perform preprogrammed operations reliably, as they lack the ability to maintain a running clock, leading to issues with power management and user convenience, especially when trying to set delayed start times for energy-efficient nighttime operations.
Innovation Solution
A washing machine system that communicates with a washing machine information server through a network, allowing the server to maintain a clock and generate commands for the washing machine to perform preprogrammed operations without requiring an internal clock, using NFC or other wireless communication methods for data exchange.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a washing machine is equipped with a clock function to enable preprogrammed operations, then the ability to set delayed start times is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase due to requiring additional power management devices like batteries
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces a server as an intermediary that maintains the clock function externally. The server stores the current time and communicates it to the washing machine when needed, eliminating the need for the washing machine to have its own clock or battery-powered timekeeping mechanism. This mediator approach resolves the contradiction by providing time-based preprogrammed operation capability without adding complex power management devices to the washing machine.
Solution Approach 2:
The server performs the time-keeping function autonomously without requiring the washing machine to actively maintain a clock. The washing machine simply queries the server for the current time and operational status, allowing the server to self-manage the clock function and reduce the washing machine's device complexity.
2Use of energy by moving object
If power supply to the control circuit is cut off when not in operation to save energy, then energy efficiency is improved, but the clock function cannot be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The server acts as an intermediary that maintains the clock function externally, allowing the washing machine's control circuit to be completely powered down during idle periods. The server stores time information and provides it to the washing machine when needed, decoupling the clock function from the washing machine's power supply cycle.
Solution Approach 2:
The server pre-maintains the clock function and time information in advance, so when the washing machine needs to perform preprogrammed operations, the time data is already available. This eliminates the need for the washing machine to maintain continuous power to its control circuit for clock operation.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If a battery is added to maintain the clock function during power off periods, then the clock continuity is improved, but the ease of maintenance deteriorates due to waterproof construction making battery replacement difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The server serves as an external intermediary that maintains the clock function, eliminating the need for an internal battery in the washing machine. This resolves the maintenance issue by moving the time-keeping function outside the waterproof enclosure, making no impact on the washing machine's sealed construction while ensuring continuous clock operation through server-based time management.
4Loss of energy
If a storage battery or electric double layer capacitor is used to power the clock during standby, then energy saving is achieved, but the device complexity increases due to requiring rechargeable backup power supply and change-over switch
Solution Approach 1:
The server acts as an external power management intermediary that eliminates the need for complex backup power supply systems within the washing machine. The server maintains the clock function and communicates time information to the washing machine, removing the need for storage batteries, electric double layer capacitors, and change-over switches while still achieving energy savings by allowing the washing machine's control circuit to remain powered off during standby periods.
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 3
AI summary
A washing machine information server (300) comprises time management section (303c) that runs a clock to indicate a current time of day, command generation section (303b) that generates a command to be transmitted to a washing machine, and communication unit (301). Washing machine (1) comprises an operation preprogramming control section that controls operation preprogramming task, and communication unit (22). The command generation section (303b) compares a set time with the current time of time management section (303c), converts a difference from the current time into time information, and transmits the time information to washing machine (1) through communication unit (22) of washing machine (1), and operation preprogramming control section (23e) executes the operation preprogramming task based on the time information representing the difference from the current time. The preprogrammed washing operation can be thus executed at the time specified without having a clock function in washing machine (1).