Methods and apparatus for communicatively coupling internal components within appliances, and appliances with external components and accessories
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Solution Overview
Problem
Household appliances face challenges in expanding functionality and interoperability due to closed internal communication networks that rely on hard-wired connections, making it difficult to integrate additional components or consumables, and complicating design, development, and maintenance.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a software architecture that enables communication between internal and external components of appliances through an internal communications network, allowing for identification, status reporting, and command interfaces, as well as using consumable readers to initiate cycles based on consumable data, and facilitating video conferencing for service and maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If hard-wired internal communication networks are used in appliances, then reliability of component communication is improved, but adaptability to integrate additional components deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces hard-wired mechanical connection systems with wireless communication systems. Appliances communicate with components and accessories via wireless signals (e.g., radio frequency, infrared) instead of physical cables, enabling dynamic integration of new components without physical reconfiguration while maintaining reliable communication through protocol-based data exchange and error correction mechanisms
2Manufacturing precision
If closed internal communication networks are used, then manufacturing precision is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service through automated network configuration where appliances and components automatically discover each other, negotiate communication parameters, and establish connections without manual intervention. The system performs self-diagnosis and self-configuration during assembly or component addition, eliminating the need for precise manual wiring while maintaining standardized communication protocols
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by allowing communication characteristics (frequency, power, modulation scheme) to be dynamically adjusted based on the specific component being integrated. This enables a single appliance design to accommodate various components with different requirements without requiring precise manufacturing variations for each configuration
3Adaptability or versatility
If additional components are integrated into appliances, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universality by creating a standardized wireless communication interface that can accommodate multiple types of components and accessories (sensors, actuators, smart devices, consumables) through a single communication protocol. This universal interface allows the appliance to perform multiple functions by integrating different components without requiring separate communication infrastructure for each component type
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary communication layer (wireless protocol stack, gateway functionality) that mediates between the appliance's internal control system and diverse external components. This intermediary handles protocol translation, data formatting, and coordination, thereby managing system complexity while enabling high adaptability to integrate various components
Data Source
AI summary
Example methods and apparatus for communicatively coupling internal components and accessories appliances, and appliances with external components and accessories are disclosed herein. A disclosed example method of operating a domestic appliance having at least one of an internal communications network and/or an external communications network among at least two components includes identifying the components, communicating the capabilities of each identified component, communicating the status of each identified component, providing a command interface for operating the components, facilitating communication between the components, and operating the appliance using the command interface and the facilitated communication.