Contact-Sensing Universal Remote for Accurate Appliance Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing home automation systems face challenges with multiple remote controllers causing user inconvenience, confusion in appliance selection, and inefficient energy consumption due to separate power sources for each device.
Innovation Solution
A command input device that senses contact with a home appliance, activates a corresponding remote controller, and switches to a standby mode when detached, utilizing wireless power transfer and communication to control multiple appliances efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single remote controller is provided to control multiple home appliances, then device complexity is reduced, but confusion occurs when the remote controller fails to determine a target home appliance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by having the remote controller transmit identification signals to home appliances and receive responses to determine which appliance is in proximity. This feedback mechanism allows the remote controller to accurately identify the target appliance among multiple devices, resolving the confusion that would otherwise occur with a single universal remote.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary identification signal exchange process between the remote controller and home appliances. This intermediary mechanism facilitates accurate appliance selection by using unique identification signals and proximity detection, enabling the remote controller to distinguish between multiple appliances without requiring separate physical remotes for each device.
2Ease of operation
If each home appliance is provided with a separate remote controller, then fine control of each home appliance is achieved, but user convenience is reduced due to managing multiple devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a single remote controller that can control multiple different home appliances. The remote controller is equipped with the capability to communicate with various appliance types through identification signals and proximity detection, eliminating the need for users to manage multiple specialized remotes while maintaining fine control over each appliance.
Solution Approach 2:
The feedback mechanism enables the single remote controller to adapt to different appliances by receiving responses from proximity-detected devices and activating the appropriate control functions. This allows the remote to provide appliance-specific control precision while maintaining a unified device interface.
3Ease of operation
If the command input device remains active continuously, then user access is immediate, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by switching the command input device between active and standby modes. The device transitions to standby mode after detecting appliance detachment to conserve energy, while remaining accessible when needed through proximity-based activation. This periodic switching resolves the contradiction between immediate accessibility and energy conservation.
Solution Approach 2:
The command input device autonomously manages its own power state by detecting whether a home appliance is attached or detached. When no appliance is detected, the device automatically enters standby mode without requiring user intervention, thereby reducing energy consumption while maintaining readiness for future use.
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
Enables seamless control of multiple home appliances with a single device, reducing energy consumption and eliminating the need for physical buttons or displays on appliances, while optimizing energy use and user interface.
Implementation Method 1
transmitting power wirelessly from the home appliance to the command input device
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed is a method for controlling a command input device. The method includes: sensing contact between a home appliance and the command input device; based on sensing the contact between the home appliance and the command input device, determining the home appliance as a target home appliance to be controlled by the command input device; and based on the determination of the home appliance as the target home appliance to be controlled by the command input device, activating a remote controller provided by the command input device and configured to control the target home appliance.