Wireless Appliance Assembly for Synchronized Power Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing home appliance control systems are complex and require separate control modules and external networks for coordinating functions between appliances like washing machines and dryers, leading to inefficiencies in managing electrical power and accurately assessing laundry load characteristics.
Innovation Solution
A wireless communication system using radio frequency links between appliances, with each equipped with a wireless communication module and electronic controller, allows direct information exchange to synchronize operations and manage power consumption without external control devices or physical connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate control modules and external networks are used to coordinate appliances, then appliances can exchange information and synchronize operations, but the device complexity and installation cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the communication functionality directly into the existing appliance control units. Each appliance's control unit includes both control logic and communication capabilities, eliminating the need for separate control modules and external networks. This merging approach maintains reliable information exchange while reducing system complexity and installation requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The control units in each appliance are designed to perform multiple functions: local control operations and inter-appliance communication. This multi-functionality allows appliances to exchange information and synchronize operations using existing control infrastructure, avoiding the need for dedicated communication hardware and simplifying the overall system architecture.
2Adaptability or versatility
If individual programming of washing machine and dryer is performed, then each appliance can operate independently, but accurate assessment of laundry load characteristics becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where appliances exchange operational data and load characteristics with each other. The washing machine communicates load type and weight information to the dryer, and the dryer provides feedback on drying progress and results. This feedback loop enables both appliances to operate independently while maintaining accurate awareness of laundry load characteristics through continuous information exchange.
3Ease of operation
If appliances operate without synchronized power management, then operational flexibility is maintained, but electrical overload risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary coordination between appliances before simultaneous operations begin. Control units exchange schedules and operational plans in advance, allowing the system to identify potential power conflicts before they occur. This preliminary action enables flexible scheduling while preventing electrical overload by coordinating high-power operations to avoid simultaneous execution.
Data Source
AI summary
A domestic appliance assembly comprising at least two machines, each of which being provided with control means able to receive program inputs set by a user and operative information transmitted by the other machine so as said machines can perform their functions in an integrate and synchronised way.Each machine (10,12) comprise a wireless communication module (14) adapted to exchange information directly between the machines and means (16) to process said information and to synchronise the machine functioning.The domestic appliance assembly according to the invention allows to accomplish a better power management, to avoid electrical overloads, and to synchronise the appliance functioning.