Modular IoT Hub for Appliance Wireless Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
The adoption of IoT functionality in home appliances is limited due to a lack of wireless expertise, high certification costs, and the need for antenna re-certification when cellular connectivity is involved, as well as the requirement for antenna size and type changes based on the wireless system used.
Innovation Solution
A modular mechanical and electrical design for an IoT hub that can be interfaced with various appliances, featuring a standardized interface for an embedded IoT unit and modular antennas, allowing for flexible wireless communication protocols like Bluetooth Low Energy, WiFi, and cellular, without the need for re-certification of the appliance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If IoT functionality is integrated directly into home appliances, then wireless communication capability is improved, but device complexity and certification costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the IoT functionality into a separate, standalone module that can be independently integrated into appliances. This modular approach allows the wireless communication capability to be added without complicating the core appliance design, as the IoT module handles all wireless protocols and certification requirements independently.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary IoT hub module that mediates between the appliance and the wireless network. This hub acts as a bridge, providing wireless communication capabilities (Bluetooth, WiFi, cellular) without requiring the appliance itself to be certified for these protocols, thereby reducing device complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If cellular connectivity is added to appliances, then remote control capability is improved, but certification requirements and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal IoT hub module that can provide multiple wireless communication protocols (Bluetooth, WiFi, cellular) through a single integrated unit. This multi-functional approach allows appliances to gain remote control capability without requiring separate certification processes for each protocol, as the hub module can be pre-certified independently.
3Adaptability or versatility
If antenna size and type are changed to support different wireless systems, then wireless communication versatility is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic antenna system where the antenna configuration can be changed or selected based on the required wireless protocol. The IoT hub module includes multiple antenna types that can be activated selectively, allowing the appliance to support different wireless systems without requiring physical reconfiguration or re-certification of the entire appliance.
Data Source
AI summary
An embedded Internet of Things (IoT) hub for integration with an appliance and associated systems and methods. For example, one embodiment of an apparatus comprises: an embedded Internet of Things (IoT) hub comprising a wide area network (WAN) interface to couple the embedded IoT hub to an IoT service over a network, and a local wireless communication interface to communicatively couple the IoT hub to one or more IoT devices; an IoT hub slot interface coupled to the embedded IoT hub and comprising a first plurality of pins or pads to interface with corresponding pins or pads within an IoT hub slot of an appliance when the embedded IoT hub is inserted into the IoT hub slot; and a modular antenna interface coupled to the embedded IoT hub and comprising a second plurality of pins or pads to interface with corresponding pins or pads on a modular antenna to be coupled to the embedded IoT hub.