Appliance Assistant for Remote Monitoring and Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional appliances lack network connectivity and depend on user presence for operation, leading to inefficiencies, safety concerns, and limited functionality, as they often continue to run when unattended and lack remote monitoring or control capabilities.
Innovation Solution
An appliance assistant system that connects appliances to a network, using sensors and wireless communication to monitor and control their operation, including the use of relays to manage power supply based on user presence and customizable timers for enhanced safety and convenience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If appliances are connected to a network and equipped with sensors and control systems, then remote monitoring and control capabilities are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an appliance assistant as an intermediary device that mediates between the user and the appliance. The assistant includes a processor that receives sensor data from the appliance and sends control signals back, allowing remote monitoring and control without requiring complex integration of multiple components directly into the appliance itself. This intermediary approach resolves the contradiction by providing advanced functionality while managing system complexity through modular architecture.
2Device complexity
If appliances operate independently without network connectivity, then device complexity is reduced, but safety and convenience are worsened due to inability to detect unattended operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where sensors continuously monitor appliance operation status and user presence, and this information is fed back to the appliance assistant's processor. The processor then automatically responds by sending control signals to adjust or shut down the appliance when unattended operation is detected. This feedback loop provides safety functionality without requiring complex manual intervention systems, resolving the contradiction between simplicity and safety.
3Productivity
If appliances continue to operate when no one is home, then productivity is maintained, but harmful factors increase due to safety risks from unattended operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs preliminary action by having the sensor system and processor continuously monitor for user presence before allowing the appliance to operate. The system proactively detects when users are absent and preemptively sends control signals to shut down the appliance before any safety incident can occur. This preliminary detection and response mechanism maintains productivity during supervised operation while eliminating safety risks during unattended periods.
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
Enables remote monitoring and control of appliances, improves safety by preventing unattended operation, and enhances user convenience through customizable settings and notifications, optimizing energy usage and reducing the risk of accidents.
Implementation Method 1
a relay, wherein the relay is on an electrical path between the power source and the appliance
Data Source
AI summary
An appliance may be monitored or controlled with an appliance assistant. The appliance assistant may include a sensor that measures data corresponding to power being consumed by the appliance and transmit information about the operational state of the appliance to a server computer. Users of the appliance may have mobile devices that may be configured to provide location information, such as a location or whether the mobile device is in the vicinity of the appliance. A server may receive information about the operational state of the appliance from the appliance assistant and location information from mobile devices. The server may determine to cause an action to be performed using this information, such as sending a notification or causing the appliance assistant to disconnect the appliance from a power source.