Consumable Holder Service Interface for Appliance Data Exchange

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need to improve communication between consumable holders and appliances, as well as between consumables and appliances, to enhance the utilization and management of consumables in household devices.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a service interface with coupling points for data exchange and power transmission between consumable holders and appliances, allowing for the discovery and configuration of consumable holders by appliances, and enabling the modification of appliance functionalities based on consumable information.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If communication between appliance and consumable holder is enhanced through service interface and coupling points, then information exchange and management efficiency are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinformation exchange between appliance and consumable holderVSAvoidservice interface with coupling points

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The service interface integrates multiple coupling points (data coupling point, power coupling point, trigger coupling point) into a single standardized interface structure that can handle various types of communication and control functions simultaneously, reducing the need for separate dedicated interfaces for each function type

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The service interface acts as an intermediary layer between the appliance control system and the consumable holder, providing standardized coupling points that mediate data exchange, power transmission, and trigger signals without requiring direct complex connections between all components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If data exchange and configuration capabilities are added to the service interface, then adaptability and functionality are improved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconfiguration and enablement of consumable holder functionalitiesVSAvoiduser interaction with consumable holder

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The consumable holder is equipped with its own process control apparatus that can autonomously receive configuration data, enable/disable functionalities, and adjust its operation based on received parameters without requiring manual user configuration, making the system adaptable while maintaining ease of operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The service interface enables pre-configuration of consumable holder parameters and functionalities before the consumable holder is actually installed or used, allowing the system to be adapted in advance and eliminating the need for complex on-site configuration by the user

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS8010211B2Appliance with a service interface for communicating with a consumable holder

Publication Date: 2011.08.30 WHIRLPOOL CORP

AI summary

An appliance configured to perform a physical operation on an article, using a resource, includes a process control apparatus to control a cycle of the physical operation, and a service interface in communication with the process control apparatus and configured to receive a consumable holder. The service interface has at least one coupling point for conveying the consumable from a consumable holder to the appliance.