Power Converter Packing-Box Configuration for Late-Stage Customization
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
White label production often limits the ability to provide a wider range of updateable product features and latest configurations for mass-produced generic products, especially requiring power-on updates, which restricts timely feature updates at the point of dispatch.
Innovation Solution
A configuration device is integrated into a packing box with resealable access, allowing for programming and configuration of apparatuses based on customer requests, enabling updates by connecting the device to the apparatus and applying power, without necessitating a dedicated configuration process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If white label production is used for mass-produced generic products, then production efficiency and cost are improved, but the ability to provide updateable product features and latest configurations is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring generic product templates during white label production, and then enabling post-production updates through a configuration server that can push updates to deployed products, thus maintaining both production efficiency and adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by creating a dynamic configuration system where product features and specifications can be changed remotely after production through a configuration server that communicates with the deployed products, allowing the system to adapt to new requirements without remanufacturing
2Adaptability or versatility
If products are configured after dispatch, then adaptability and customization are improved, but the configuration process complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by enabling products to automatically receive and apply configuration updates from a configuration server without requiring complex manual configuration procedures, reducing configuration complexity while maintaining adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an intermediary configuration server that mediates between the production system and deployed products, simplifying the configuration process by providing a centralized interface for managing product configurations remotely
3Reliability
If configuration updates require power-on state, then configuration reliability is improved, but the timeliness of feature updates is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuity of useful action by enabling configuration updates to be applied continuously without requiring power cycles, allowing the configuration system to maintain constant communication with deployed products and apply updates in real-time, thus eliminating time delays while maintaining reliability
Data Source
AI summary
An order may be received for an apparatus such as a power converter or other power device, where the apparatus may be housed in a packing box. A configuration device may be programmed with information responsive to details of the order and an ID associated with the apparatus. A label or other identifying object may be created or configured (e.g., printed) and attached to the apparatus or may otherwise accompany the apparatus prior to dispatch of the packing box. The label may provide details of operating parameters of the apparatus responsive to the details of the order. Upon receipt and unpacking of the packing box, the configuration device may be connected to the apparatus, thereby to causing the apparatus to become configured.