Charging Power Supply Wireless Interface for Appliance Data Relay

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Solution Overview

Problem

Personal care appliances often lack the capability to transmit appliance-related data wirelessly, requiring additional communication circuitry that increases manufacturing complexity and user inconvenience.

Innovation Solution

A switched mode power supply charging device with a wireless interface circuit that can obtain and transmit appliance-related data over a desired wireless standard, such as IEEE 802.11, without needing the appliance to have this circuitry, acting as a data hub for charging and data transmission.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the appliance is equipped with wireless communication circuitry to transmit appliance-related data, then data transmission capability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata transmission capabilityVSAvoidcommunication circuitry

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The power supply charging device serves as an intermediary between the appliance and the wireless network. It includes a communication circuit that can wirelessly transmit appliance-related data to a network, while the appliance itself remains simple without requiring wireless communication capabilities. The power supply device receives data from the appliance through its power connection and relays it wirelessly to external systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the appliance includes communication circuitry for wireless data transmission, then data transmission capability is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewireless communication capabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The power supply charging device acts as a mediator that handles all wireless communication functions. The appliance only needs basic power connection capabilities, while the power supply device contains the wireless communication interface and handles data transmission to networks, simplifying the appliance manufacturing process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The power supply charging device performs multiple functions: it charges the appliance battery and simultaneously serves as a communication gateway. By consolidating communication functions in the power supply device, the same unit handles both power delivery and data transmission tasks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS20230420954A1Power supply charging device, kit, and operating method

Publication Date: 2023.12.28 BRAUN GMBH

AI summary

A switched mode power supply charging device for an appliance comprises a circuit comprising a wireless interface circuit and operative to obtain appliance-related data for at least one personal care appliance and transmit the appliance-related data over the wireless interface circuit.