Appliance Diagnostic Tool Using Non-Functional Character Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for servicing consumer appliances face challenges in uniquely identifying appliances due to variations in models and software versions, leading to cumbersome and outdated model identifier databases that fail to account for changes over time.
Innovation Solution
A method and diagnostic tool that receive non-functional character data from a control board, assign an appliance configuration manifest, and determine service actions based on this data, allowing for unique identification and service without relying on preset model numbers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If exhaustive databases of specific model identifiers are used to uniquely identify consumer appliances, then identification accuracy may be improved, but device complexity and maintenance difficulty increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential identification characteristics from complex model databases and implements them as standardized data fields directly in the control board. Instead of relying on external databases to interpret model numbers, the identification data is taken out and embedded in the appliance's control system, eliminating the need for cumbersome database maintenance while preserving accurate identification capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary identification system that uses standardized non-functional character data fields as a mediator between the appliance and service tools. This intermediary layer translates diverse appliance variations into a common data format, allowing accurate identification without requiring exhaustive model-specific databases
2Measurement precision
If exhaustive databases of specific model identifiers are maintained to account for appliance variations, then identification completeness improves, but ease of operation deteriorates due to maintenance burden
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service identification system where the appliance's control board automatically provides identification data through standardized fields. Service tools query these predefined fields directly, eliminating the need for operators to maintain or search through large databases. The system serves itself by having the appliance provide its own identification information in a standardized format
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary action by pre-defining standardized identification fields during the appliance manufacturing and control board configuration process. Instead of requiring database maintenance during operation, the identification framework is established in advance with specific data fields (model year, software version, hardware revision) that automatically capture appliance variations without needing external database updates
3Measurement precision
If model-specific interfaces and service options are provided for each appliance variation, then service precision improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal service interface that can handle multiple appliance types and variations through a single standardized data structure. Instead of requiring separate interfaces for each model, the universal interface queries standardized identification fields and automatically adapts its behavior based on the appliance's specific configuration, achieving model-specific precision through a unified multi-functional system
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses parameter changes to achieve service precision without interface complexity. By changing the values in standardized identification fields (model year, software version, hardware revision), the system automatically adjusts the service interface behavior. The same interface structure works for all appliances, with parameters dynamically adjusted based on the appliance's specific configuration data
Data Source
AI summary
A diagnostic tool and method of servicing a consumer appliance is provided herein. The diagnostic tool may include a casing and a controller. The casing may be spaced apart from the consumer appliance. The controller may be selectively connected to the consumer appliance. The controller may be configured to direct a service operation. Moreover, the service operation may include receiving non-functional character data from the consumer appliance at the diagnostic tool, assigning an appliance configuration manifest to the consumer appliance based on the received non-functional character data, determining a service action based on the appliance configuration manifest, and initiating the determined service action at the diagnostic tool.