IoT Accessory with Separable Module Design for Existing Appliances
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge is to enable the realization of Internet of Things (IoT) functions in existing electric home appliances without replacing them, address compatibility issues due to different standards, and ensure easy positioning and attachment of accessories while minimizing the risk of loss and optimizing the design of push-type buttons for precise restoring force.
Innovation Solution
A compact accessory with a communication module, remote control, and sensor capabilities, featuring a separable design with direction-setting units, attachment mechanisms, and an optical signal transmission system, which can be easily attached and detached from appliances, and includes a mechanism for precise restoring force in push-type buttons.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional electric home appliances are replaced with new appliances having IoT functions, then IoT functionality is achieved, but user burden and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the IoT functionality into a separate accessory module that can be attached to existing appliances rather than integrating it into the appliance itself. This segmentation allows users to add IoT capabilities without replacing entire appliances, reducing burden and cost while achieving the desired functionality.
2Adaptability or versatility
If accessories are designed to be easily detachable, then repositioning flexibility is improved, but the risk of loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment mechanism uses asymmetric design with direction-setting protrusions and recesses that allow easy attachment in the correct orientation but prevent accidental detachment. The asymmetric geometry provides natural alignment guides that reduce the risk of loss while maintaining repositioning flexibility when intentionally removed.
3Ease of operation
If push-type buttons use elastic members for restoring force, then switch return function is achieved, but manufacturing precision and restoring force control become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces traditional elastic members (springs) with a mechanical cam mechanism that provides restoring force through geometric shape rather than material elasticity. This substitution eliminates the need for precise control of elastic properties and simplifies manufacturing while maintaining reliable switch return function.
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 IoT functionality in existing appliances without replacement, ensures compatibility across different standards, facilitates easy positioning and attachment, reduces the risk of accessory loss, and achieves precise restoring force in push-type buttons, enhancing usability and compatibility.
Implementation Method 1
a remote control module for transmitting an optical signal for controlling a predetermined apparatus
Implementation Method 2
In order to generate restoring force necessary to return the switch to the original state thereof, an elastic member, such as a spring, may be used
Data Source
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AI summary
An accessory for communication and a network system using the same are disclosed. More specifically, a device and system that enable the Internet of Things to be realized without changing existing electric home appliances and environments are disclosed. The accessory includes a main body having a communication module for communicating with a predetermined network to transmit and receive a signal over the predetermined network and a container having a main body-coupling portion to which the main body is separably coupled. The main body includes at least one selected from between a remote control module for transmitting an optical signal for controlling a predetermined apparatus and a sensor module for sensing predetermined surrounding conditions. The container includes an external coupling portion formed so as to be attached to an external object. In addition, a network system is capable of being realized using an accessory including both the remote control module and the sensor module. The network system includes a server for receiving information about the surrounding conditions of one of two main bodies from the one main body and transmitting a signal for controlling an apparatus at which the other main body is disposed to the other main body based on the sensed information.