Appliance Delivery State Initialization via Code Word Memory

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing appliances with variable output values, such as power supplies or light sources, require manual adjustment to ensure a consistent delivery state, which complicates quality control and manufacturing processes, and lacks a method to automatically determine if the appliance is in a delivery state.

Innovation Solution

A method involving a control unit connected to a memory unit that stores a code word indicating the delivery state, which changes upon user adjustment of the variable control mechanism, allowing the appliance to automatically determine its state and output a predetermined value until adjusted.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If manual adjustment is used to ensure consistent delivery state, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity and time consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedelivery state consistencyVSAvoidmanual adjustment process
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-setting the variable control mechanism during manufacturing to a predetermined setting that corresponds to a desired delivery output value. This pre-configuration eliminates the need for manual adjustment by the user, as the appliance is delivered in a ready-to-use state with consistent output characteristics. The control unit stores information about this predetermined setting and uses it to maintain delivery state consistency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment with an automated electronic system. The control unit electronically controls the variable control mechanism based on stored predetermined settings, substituting the need for manual mechanical intervention. This electronic control system automatically maintains the delivery state without requiring user adjustment, thereby reducing device complexity from the user perspective while improving manufacturing precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Manufacturing precision

If manual adjustment is performed for quality control, then manufacturing precision is improved, but productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedelivery output value consistencyVSAvoidmanufacturing speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The variable control mechanism is pre-adjusted to a predetermined setting during the manufacturing process, establishing consistent delivery output values before the appliance leaves the factory. This preliminary configuration ensures quality control without requiring time-consuming manual adjustments at the point of delivery, thereby maintaining both manufacturing precision and productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The control unit automatically manages the variable control mechanism based on stored predetermined settings, enabling the appliance to self-regulate its output without external manual intervention. This self-service capability ensures consistent delivery output values while eliminating the time required for manual quality control adjustments, thus improving productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of manufacture

If the appliance is delivered without predetermined output value, then ease of manufacture is improved, but ease of operation decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly flexibilityVSAvoidplug and play functionality
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary action by pre-configuring the variable control mechanism to a predetermined setting that delivers a desired output value. This pre-configuration enables plug-and-play functionality, allowing users to simply connect the appliance without needing to perform adjustment operations. The control unit stores information about the predetermined setting and automatically applies it, combining manufacturing ease with operational simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The control unit automatically manages the appliance setup by retrieving and applying predetermined settings from storage, enabling the appliance to configure itself without user intervention. This self-service approach maintains manufacturing flexibility while achieving plug-and-play ease of operation, as the appliance autonomously establishes its delivery state upon activation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

4Ease of manufacture

If manual adjustment is required for first use, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but time consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing process simplicityVSAvoidcommissioning time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The variable control mechanism is pre-adjusted to a predetermined setting during manufacturing, eliminating the need for user adjustment at commissioning. This preliminary configuration reduces commissioning time to minimal steps while maintaining manufacturing simplicity, as the pre-setting process can be integrated into the existing manufacturing workflow without adding significant complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual adjustment operations with automated electronic control. The control unit electronically applies predetermined settings stored in memory, substituting time-consuming manual mechanical adjustments with rapid electronic configuration. This reduces commissioning time significantly while keeping the manufacturing process simple and integrated.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentEP3495901B1Method for initializing an appliance in a delivery state and appliance
Publication Date: 2020.04.15 FRIWO GERAETEBAU GMBH
  • EP3495901B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3495901B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3495901B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to a method for initializing an appliance (100) in a delivery state, wherein the appliance has at least one adjustable output value. The method comprising the following steps: providing a control unit (120) connected to a memory unit (110) and providing a variable control mechanism (130), wherein the variable control mechanism is user adjustable for controlling the adjustable output value; storing a first code word in the memory unit, wherein a predetermined delivery output value of the appliance is associated to the first code word, and changing, by the control unit, the first code word to a second code word when the variable control mechanism is adjusted by the user.