Washing Tub Motion Detection for Forgotten Electronic Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing washing machine control methods result in unnecessary calls when electronic devices are not present in the washing tub, leading to potential damage and user inconvenience.
Innovation Solution
A control method that uses wireless communication and motion sensors to determine if an electronic device is inside the washing tub during a preliminary operation, preventing the main washing operation and notifying the user if the device is detected, thereby avoiding damage and unnecessary calls.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a call is always made to the electronic device from the fixed telephone line at the washing start time, then the electronic device can be notified of its presence in the washing tub, but unnecessary calls are made when there is no electronic device in the washing tub
Solution Approach 1:
The washing machine performs a preliminary detection operation before the main washing operation to check if an electronic device is present in the washing tub. This preliminary action identifies the presence of the electronic device in advance, allowing the system to conditionally execute the notification call only when necessary, thereby avoiding unnecessary calls while maintaining reliable detection.
2Loss of energy
If motion sensors and wireless communication are used to detect electronic devices, then unnecessary calls are suppressed, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical detection systems with motion sensors that utilize the washing tub's rotational motion to detect electronic devices. The detection mechanism leverages the existing mechanical operation of the washing machine (rotation) to generate detectable motion signals, substituting a potentially complex sensor array with a simpler motion-based detection approach that works passively with the machine's normal operation.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Effectively prevents electronic device damage and reduces unnecessary calls by accurately determining the presence of devices within the washing tub, enhancing user convenience and operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a communication unit for communicating with an electronic device by wireless communication
Implementation Method 2
acquiring motion information regarding a motion of the electronic device during the preliminary operation
Data Source
AI summary
A control method of a washing machine including a wireless communicator communicating with an electronic device, includes: causing the washing machine to operate a washing tub of the washing machine as a preliminary operation, including a rotational operation of the washing tub; acquiring motion information regarding a motion of the electronic device during the preliminary operation; determining whether or not the electronic device is inside the washing tub based on the acquired motion information and information indicating the preliminary operation; and giving the washing machine a notification indicating that the electronic device is inside the washing tub if the determining determines that the electronic device is inside the washing tub. It is determined whether or not the electronic device is inside the washing tub, based on a comparison between characteristic operation information determined in advance with regard to the preliminary operation and the motion information acquired by a sensor.