Fan Motor Specification Management via Electronic Tag

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional techniques require altering the control program for each fan motor, leading to complex stock control and increased inventory levels due to varying specifications within the same series of products.

Innovation Solution

A product specification setting apparatus and fan motor configuration that utilizes an electronic tag for storing and updating specifications, allowing a control computer to adjust the motor's operation based on stored data, reducing the need for multiple hardware variants and simplifying stock management.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If control programs are altered for each fan motor to meet different specifications, then product customization is achieved, but device complexity and stock control difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduct customizationVSAvoidstock control complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses electronic tags (memory devices) to store specification data as copies of the actual product configurations. Instead of modifying physical control programs for each variant, the system creates digital copies of specifications in electronic tags, which can be rapidly written and read without affecting the hardware. This allows 30 different product specifications to be represented by data copies rather than 30 different physical motor units, dramatically simplifying inventory management.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter storage medium from fixed control program memory to updatable electronic tags. By separating the specification data storage (in electronic tags) from the control execution (in control computers), the system can dynamically change product parameters through data writing without hardware modification. This enables flexible parameter changes while maintaining consistent hardware architecture, reducing the complexity of managing multiple product variants.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple hardware variants are produced to meet different specifications, then product adaptability is improved, but manufacturing cost and inventory levels increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduct specification varietyVSAvoidinventory levels
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal hardware platform that can serve multiple product specifications through a single fan motor design. By equipping all fan motors with electronic tags and using control computers to read and adapt to different specification data, the system achieves multi-functionality without requiring multiple hardware variants. This universal approach allows the same physical motor to be configured for 30 different specifications, eliminating the need to manufacture and stock 30 different hardware types.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses electronic tags to store copies of specification data rather than requiring physical copies of different hardware variants. Each electronic tag contains a data copy representing a specific product configuration, allowing the inventory system to manage virtual product variants without maintaining corresponding physical inventory for each variant. This reduces actual inventory levels while maintaining the ability to fulfill diverse customer specifications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

3Manufacturing precision

If control programs are modified for each product specification, then specification accuracy is achieved, but production time and lead time increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespecification accuracyVSAvoidproduction lead time
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary action by pre-configuring electronic tags with specification data before the fan motors are shipped to customers. The specification data is written into electronic tags during manufacturing or before delivery, so that when the fan motor reaches the customer, the correct specifications are already in place. This eliminates the need for time-consuming control program modifications after delivery, ensuring specification accuracy is achieved in advance without extending production lead times.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical process of control program modification (which involves physical access, code editing, compilation, and flashing) with an electronic data writing process. Specification data is electronically written to tags using standardized communication protocols, which is significantly faster and more reliable than traditional control program modification methods. This substitution maintains specification accuracy while dramatically reducing the time required for configuration changes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS9705385B2Product specification setting apparatus and fan motor having the same
Publication Date: 2017.07.11 SANYO DENKI CO LTD
  • US9705385B2 patent drawing
  • US9705385B2 patent drawing
  • US9705385B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A product specification setting apparatus includes: an electronic tag for updatably storing specifications of a product; and a control computer for controlling the product according to the stored specifications. A fan motor includes: a motor driving unit for driving a motor for rotating a fan; an electronic tag for updatably storing specifications of the fan motor; and a control computer for controlling the motor driving unit according to the stored specifications.