Detachable Communication Module Gateway for Multi-Protocol Support

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing gateway systems for home networks face difficulties in supporting multiple communication schemes like ZigBee, WiFi, and Bluetooth, making it challenging to select optimal communication based on speed, distance, and power consumption, and requiring module exchanges which increase costs.

Innovation Solution

A detachable communication module is integrated into the gateway system, allowing for the addition of different wireless networks without replacing existing modules, enabling selective use of various communication schemes such as ZigBee, WiFi, and Bluetooth, and optimizing communication based on performance criteria.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a gateway system supports a specific communication scheme, then it can control electronic appliances using that scheme, but it becomes difficult to additionally support another communication scheme

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication scheme supportVSAvoidgateway system structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The communication functionality is segmented into separate communication modules that can be independently attached to the gateway. Each module handles a specific communication scheme (ZigBee, WiFi, Bluetooth), allowing the gateway to support multiple schemes without integrating all functions into a single complex unit.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The gateway is designed with a universal interface that can accommodate multiple types of communication modules. The gateway's control unit is programmed to recognize and manage different communication schemes through standardized interfaces, enabling one gateway to support multiple communication functions without requiring separate dedicated gateways for each scheme.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple communication modules are integrated into the gateway, then various communication schemes can be supported, but the cost increases due to module exchanges

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication scheme supportVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

By separating communication functions into independent modules, the system allows selective attachment of only the needed modules rather than manufacturing and supporting complete gateway units for each communication scheme. This reduces manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A standardized interface acts as an intermediary between the gateway and communication modules. This interface handles the complexity of different communication protocols, allowing the gateway to communicate with various modules without requiring custom integration for each scheme, thereby reducing overall system cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If a detachable communication module is used, then additional communication schemes can be supported without module exchanges, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication scheme supportVSAvoidgateway module structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The communication functionality is segmented into separate communication modules that can be independently attached to the gateway. Each module handles a specific communication scheme (ZigBee, WiFi, Bluetooth), allowing the gateway to support multiple schemes without integrating all functions into a single complex unit.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The gateway is designed with a universal interface that can accommodate multiple types of communication modules. The gateway's control unit is programmed to recognize and manage different communication schemes through standardized interfaces, enabling one gateway to support multiple communication functions without requiring separate dedicated gateways for each scheme.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP2733686B1Gateway system including communication module and method of driving the same

Publication Date: 2019.01.23 LG INNOTEK CO LTD

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AI summary

Disclosed are a gateway system for controlling at least one electronic appliance and a method of driving the same. The gateway system includes a gateway module to transmit a control signal to the electronic appliance by using a first wireless network; and at least one communication module detachably coupled to the gateway module to provide a second wireless network different from the first wireless network to the gateway module.