Multi-source Component Identity Tracking in Household Appliances
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need to track specific components of household appliances, especially when components are sourced from multiple suppliers, as existing systems lack efficient methods for identifying and managing components with different features or configurations.
Innovation Solution
A method and system where a household appliance installs a multi-source mechanical component, stores its identity in local memory, and connects to a remote computing device for centralized tracking, allowing for redundant storage and synchronization of component information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If components are sourced from multiple suppliers, then the appliance can benefit from varied features and configurations, but the complexity of tracking and managing component identities increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses unique identifiers (UIDs) as copies or representations of physical components. Instead of tracking complex physical component variations directly, the system creates digital copies (UIDs) that encode component information, making tracking simpler while maintaining the ability to distinguish between multiple supplier components with different features.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary layer between the physical components and the tracking system. The UID acts as a mediator that bridges the physical component (which may vary by supplier) and the digital tracking system, allowing the system to manage component diversity without directly handling the complexity of tracking each physical variation.
2Reliability
If component tracking is implemented, then accurate identification and maintenance can be achieved, but additional storage and communication resources are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent stores only the UID (a digital copy) of the component in the appliance's memory rather than storing complete component specifications, histories, or detailed information. This copying approach maintains reliable component identification while minimizing the quantity of data stored, thereby reducing storage resource requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts only the essential identifying information (the UID) from the component and stores that minimal data in the appliance. The complete component information is extracted from local storage and accessed remotely when needed, reducing the amount of data that must be permanently stored in the appliance while maintaining identification accuracy.
3Reliability
If redundant backups of component tracking are implemented, then data reliability is improved, but the system complexity and resource consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates redundant copies of the UID in multiple locations (appliance memory and remote server) to ensure data reliability. This copying approach provides backup without requiring complex redundancy systems, as the UID is a simple data structure that can be easily replicated and stored in standard memory and database formats.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of operating a household appliance includes installing a multi-source mechanical component in the household appliance. The method also includes storing an identity of the multi-source mechanical component in a local memory of the household appliance. The method further includes connecting the household appliance to a remote computing device. The method also includes storing the identity of the multi-source mechanical component in the remote computing device.