Edge Node Gateway Consolidation for Multi-Protocol IoT Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing IoT devices require multiple gateway devices for different communication modes, leading to high installation costs due to the lack of unified gateways.

Innovation Solution

An edge computing device management method where a first device functions as an edge computing node, unifying communication modes for multiple second devices by sending control instructions based on sensing and state information, thereby eliminating the need for multiple gateway devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple gateway devices are installed for different communication modes, then communication compatibility is improved, but installation cost and device complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication compatibilityVSAvoidgateway device quantity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The edge computing device is designed to perform multiple gateway functions simultaneously, supporting different communication protocols (WiFi, Bluetooth, Zigbee, etc.) through a single unified device. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for multiple separate gateway devices while maintaining communication compatibility across various IoT devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines multiple gateway functions into a single edge computing device, merging the capabilities of separate WiFi gateway, Bluetooth gateway, and other protocol-specific gateways into one integrated system. This consolidation reduces device quantity and simplifies the overall system architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple gateway devices are installed for different communication modes, then communication compatibility is improved, but installation cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication compatibilityVSAvoidinstallation cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The edge computing device serves as a universal gateway supporting multiple communication protocols, reducing the need to purchase and install multiple separate gateway devices. This multi-functional design directly lowers installation costs while maintaining broad communication compatibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

By consolidating multiple gateway functions into a single device, the patent reduces the total number of devices that need to be purchased, installed, and maintained, thereby reducing overall installation costs while preserving communication capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Device complexity

If a single edge computing node unifies communication modes, then device complexity is reduced, but management capability must be enhanced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegateway device quantityVSAvoiddevice management capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The edge computing device acquires state information from sensors and other sources, processes this information, and generates control instructions for connected devices. This feedback mechanism enables intelligent automation and simplifies management of the unified system, compensating for the increased complexity of managing diverse protocols through a single node.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The edge computing device autonomously processes sensing information and generates control instructions without requiring manual intervention for each control decision. This self-service capability reduces the operational burden on users while maintaining comprehensive device management.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP4113907B1Edge computing device management method and apparatus, devices, and system
Publication Date: 2025.12.10 QINGDAO HAIER WASHING MASCH CO LTD
  • EP4113907B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4113907B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4113907B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

Provided are an edge computing device management method and apparatus, devices and a system. The method comprises: acquiring original information, which comprises sensing information and/or state information, wherein the sensing information is information sent by at least one sensor, the at least one sensor is connected to a first device, the state information is a working state of the first device, and the first device is an edge computing node; according to the sensing information and/or the state information, determining a first control instruction; and sending the first control instruction to a second device, such that the second device operates according to the first control instruction, wherein the second device is an access node, and the first device is connected to at least one second device. Therefore, the management of the second device by the first device is realized, and the case where various gateway devices are mounted thereon to match different communication modes is avoided, thereby effectively saving costs.