Bridge Remote Control for Shared Appliance Quick Adjustments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing smart device remote control systems are inconvenient for communal use and require repeated activation for minor adjustments, as they are personal devices not readily available for multiple users and inefficient for frequent minor commands.
Innovation Solution
A discrete bridge device equipped with RF reception, command translation, and direct user input interfaces, allowing for common adjustments without a smart device, while maintaining smart device app functionality for complex commands.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a smart device app is used for appliance control, then sophisticated GUI functionality and complex command functions are available, but the device must be constantly available and activated for even minor adjustments
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is segmented into two parts: a smart device for complex/sophisticated commands and a remote control device for minor/quick adjustments. This segmentation allows each component to excel at its specific function without compromise.
Solution Approach 2:
The remote control device acts as an intermediary between the user and the appliance when the smart device is unavailable. It provides a simplified interface that mediates basic control functions without requiring smart device activation.
2Extent of automation
If a smart device is required for all appliance control, then centralized control is maintained, but communal use becomes difficult when the smart device is not available
Solution Approach 1:
The remote control device provides universal access to basic appliance control functions for any user, while the smart device maintains centralized control for sophisticated operations. This multi-functionality ensures both centralized automation and communal accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The remote control device enables self-service control for basic functions without requiring the smart device. Users can independently perform minor adjustments without needing to activate or access the smart device.
3Ease of operation
If physical controls are added to the bridge device, then direct user input for common functions is enabled, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Physical controls are added only for local, common functions that require frequent access. The bridge device maintains different qualities for different functions: physical buttons for simple operations and digital interface for complex commands.
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
Facilitates easy and efficient control of appliances with direct user inputs on the bridge device, reducing the need for smart device interaction for frequent adjustments and enhancing usability in shared environments.
Implementation Method 1
A bridge device that receives RF signals from smart devices and converts them into appliance commands
Data Source
AI summary
A bridge device, in communication with a smart device, functions to command one or more controllable appliances in response to communications received from the smart device. The bridge device also includes input elements by which the bridge device can be used to directly command common functional operations of the one or more controllable appliances. In this manner, common functional operations, such as volume control, playback pause/resume control, etc., may be made readily available without necessitating the use of the smart device, whilst the more sophisticated GUI provided by the smart device remote control app may be advantageously utilized when more complex or less frequently used command functions are to be performed.