Part Key Compatibility Checking for Device Component Qualification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing computing devices face challenges in determining compatibility between various components, leading to potential failures or malfunctions when incompatible parts are used, and existing solutions do not effectively address cross-compatibility or post-release qualification/disqualification of parts and devices.
Innovation Solution
A computing device is associated with a machine identifier and stores a collection of machine keys, receiving a part with a part key mapping that includes multiple part keys assigned to different machine identifiers. The device compares the part's key to its stored machine keys to determine compatibility, enabling or inhibiting the part's usage based on a match, and utilizes spare keys for future compatibility without modifying existing devices or parts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If compatibility testing is conducted for all part-device combinations, then reliability is improved, but loss of time and productivity deteriorate due to extensive testing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-determining compatibility relationships between parts and devices through testing before release. The results are stored in a data structure that enables rapid lookup during qualification, eliminating the need for extensive testing at the time of part installation or device assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-establishing a comprehensive database of compatibility information between parts and devices before they are released to the market. This pre-qualification process stores compatibility data in a structured format that enables rapid determination of part-device compatibility without requiring extensive testing at the time of use.
2Reliability
If compatibility checking is performed for every part-device combination, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional checking mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies copying by creating a data structure that replicates the compatibility information in a format suitable for rapid processing. Instead of implementing complex real-time testing mechanisms, the system uses a simplified data structure that copies the essential compatibility relationships, enabling fast lookup and determination without complex hardware or software overhead.
3Adaptability or versatility
If comprehensive compatibility data is stored for all parts and devices, then adaptability is improved, but loss of information increases due to data management challenges
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the compatibility data into distinct fields within a structured data structure. Each field represents a specific aspect of compatibility information, allowing for organized storage and retrieval. This segmentation reduces data management challenges by providing a clear framework for data organization, validation, and maintenance.
Data Source
AI summary
Examples include comparison of a part key to machine keys. Examples include identification of a part key assigned to a given machine identifier in a part key mapping of a part received by a computing device, the part key mapping including a plurality of part keys assigned to a plurality of machine identifiers. Examples also include comparison of the identified part key to machine keys stored on the computing device to determine whether the identified part key matches any of the machine keys, and based at least in part on a result of the determination, enabling or inhibiting further utilization of the part.