Exploring Potential Intellectual Properties
Throughout this design processes, it is important to recognize intellectual property that already exists in the domain of our project. Therefore, the team will research similar ideas and rights that have already been established in order to create a unique product.
Trademarks and Service Marks
FN DIGITAL WASHING MACHINE
Washing machine with digital capabilities to aid in user experience
Serial number: 88894061
Copyrights and Licenses
Dryer-washing machine controller
Registration Number: TX 351-286
Date: 08/30/1989
Object detection, classification, and tracking technologies
Registration Number: TX0005474456
Date: 10/22/2001
Patents and Standards
Since the washing machine is a staple appliance around the world, many patents and standards already exist. These can be utilized in order for the team to get a grasp of the idea.
Washing Machine (US2758461A): This patent was filed in the 1950s and provides reference to the different functionality of washing machines. For example, the different types of rotary movement and oscillatory movement, along with centrifugally separating water from the laundry and having further drying means.
Washing machine with weight sensor (EP1264925A2): This washing machine utilizes a sensor to detect the displacement of items inside of it and can sense the variations in the weight of the oscillating assembly in a manner that is independent of the braking force of the vibration-damping strut.
Method for controlling a household washing machine (US10844533B2): This patent that was first filed in 2007 is an appliance that can control washing machines through a user interfaces that includes a user-selected steam sanitize cycle that allows for the user to control several aspects of the wash cycle.