Washing Machine Wireless Remote Control with Visual Reception Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
In existing washing machines, the use of a unidirectional wireless communication mode for setting operating information can lead to incomplete reception of user-intended settings, potentially resulting in unintended washing operations due to the lack of confirmation of received information, especially when the remote controller is not in proximity to the operating part.
Innovation Solution
The washing machine incorporates a first display part that illuminates upon reception of operating information, allowing users to confirm receipt of settings, and includes a starting key that can switch to a standard process when the remote controller is not present, ensuring operations align with user intentions. Additionally, a remote controller with a magnet for easy installation and a confirming key for verifying set information enhances user convenience and safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a unidirectional wireless communication mode is adopted for setting operating information, then the communication structure is simplified and cost is reduced, but the reliability of operating information reception deteriorates because the remote controller cannot confirm whether the operating part has received the transmitted information
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a feedback mechanism where the operating part sends an acknowledgment signal back to the remote controller to confirm successful reception of operating information. This feedback loop resolves the contradiction by maintaining the simplified unidirectional transmission structure while adding a confirmation pathway that ensures reliable reception, allowing the system to verify whether the transmitted operating information was successfully received.
2Device complexity
If the operating part is integrated with the display part on the housing surface, then the structure is compact, but the area available for the throwing port is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent separates the setting operating part from the housing surface and relocates it to a remote controller that operates wirelessly. This dimensional relocation moves the control interface from the two-dimensional housing surface to a separate handheld device, thereby freeing up the housing surface area for the throwing port while maintaining all necessary control functions in the remote controller.
3Ease of operation
If the remote controller is used to set operating information wirelessly, then user convenience is improved, but the risk of unintended washing operations increases when the transmitted information is not received
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the operating part transmits an acknowledgment signal to the remote controller to confirm successful reception of operating information. This feedback loop allows the user to verify that the washing machine has correctly received the settings before starting the operation, preventing unintended washing operations while maintaining the convenience of wireless remote control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary verification by sending an acknowledgment signal before the washing operation commences. This preliminary action allows the user to confirm that the transmitted operating information was received correctly, and provides an opportunity to correct any transmission errors before the washing cycle begins, thereby ensuring operation accuracy.
Data Source
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AI summary
In a washing machine for setting operating information involved in a washing operation through unidirectional wireless communication, a washing operation undesirable for a user due to incomplete reception of the operating information is prevented. A full-automatic washing machine includes: a first control part (66), a receiving part (68), a body display part (DP) arranged on an upper panel, and a remote controller (100) separated from the body display part (DP). The remote controller (100) includes: setting keys (120) for setting operating information of a washing operation, a second control part (160), an information display part (140) and a transmitting part (180). The second control part (160) displays operating information set by the setting keys (120) through the information display part (140), and transmits the operating information by the transmitting part (180) to the receiving part (68) through wireless communication. A mode display part (65) of the body display part is illuminated in a color such as blue corresponding to the reception of the operating information until the washing operation starts when the first control part (66) receives the operating information.