Central Collector Interface for Expandable Appliance Servicing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Household appliances have closed internal networks that are difficult to modify or expand, limiting their functionality and compatibility with external or additional components due to hard-wired connections, making it impractical to integrate new features or components.
Innovation Solution
A software architecture that enables communication between internal and external components of appliances, creating an open network that allows for the connection of new components and accessories, enabling expanded functionality and usability by facilitating communication through a central collector and multiple software operating layers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If hard-wired connectors are used to form a closed internal network, then the appliance maintains stable and reliable internal communication, but the appliance cannot be easily modified or expanded with additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a communication interface as an intermediary component between the closed internal network and external components. This interface includes a processor and communication circuitry that translates and manages data transmission, allowing external devices to interact with internal components without disrupting the stable hard-wired internal network architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the appliance's communication system into distinct layers: the closed internal network for core components and an external communication interface for additional components. This segmentation allows the internal network to maintain its reliable hard-wired connections while the external interface provides adaptability through software-configurable communication protocols.
2Ease of operation
If discrete circuits are used for individual communication between components, then each circuit can be independently controlled, but the overall system complexity increases and modification becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple discrete communication circuits into a unified communication interface that handles data transmission to and from multiple internal components through a single external connection point. The processor within the interface manages individual circuit control through software, reducing physical complexity while maintaining independent control capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The communication interface is designed as a universal component that can communicate with multiple different internal components through a single interface. The processor can be configured to handle various communication protocols and data types, allowing the same physical interface to serve multiple functions and reduce the need for separate dedicated circuits for each component.
3Reliability
If the internal network is designed as a closed system, then the appliance maintains consistent performance and reliability, but it is not practical to couple additional external or internal components to expand capability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a communication interface as an intermediary that bridges the closed internal network and external components. This interface maintains the integrity of the internal network while enabling capability expansion through controlled data transmission to and from external devices, preserving performance consistency while increasing adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic configurability in the communication interface, allowing the appliance to adapt its communication capabilities based on connected components. The processor can be programmed to recognize and accommodate different external devices, enabling the system to expand its functionality dynamically while maintaining the stable core internal network architecture.
Data Source
AI summary
A central collector has appliance communication links to communicate with multiple appliances, and removable memory to store operational data retrieved from the appliances. When the memory is removed from the central collector and installed in a device capable of communication, the operational data can be communicated from the removable memory to a remote service center or a portable computing device.