Power Adapter with Integrated Wi-Fi Access Point

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing devices, such as set-top boxes, often require integrated communication interfaces like Wi-Fi and home automation protocols, which can limit flexibility and range, and replacing the entire device to add new features is costly and inefficient.

Innovation Solution

A power adapter with integrated networking interfaces and a proxy system that allows two-way communication with the device, enabling the addition of communication protocols and components without replacing the device, and converting data formats to facilitate communication over different networks.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If communication interfaces like Wi-Fi are integrated within the device, then the device can access features and content, but the device placement is limited by Wi-Fi range requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice placement flexibilityVSAvoidcommunication connectivity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the device into separate functional components: the main device (set-top box) is separated from the communication interface (Wi-Fi access point in power adapter). This segmentation allows the device to be placed in hidden locations while the Wi-Fi access point is positioned for optimal coverage, resolving the contradiction between placement flexibility and communication reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If the device is replaced to add new communication protocols or features, then functionality is improved, but cost and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication protocol supportVSAvoidsystem replacement requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The power adapter is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a power supply and as a communication interface (Wi-Fi access point, home automation protocol system). This universal design allows existing devices to gain new communication capabilities through adapter replacement rather than device replacement, reducing complexity and cost while improving adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the device is replaced to add home automation protocol features, then functionality is improved, but cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehome automation capabilityVSAvoiddevice replacement cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the home automation protocol system with the power adapter, combining two separate functions (power supply and home automation communication) into a single integrated component. This merging allows users to add home automation capability by simply replacing the power adapter rather than replacing the entire device, significantly reducing cost while maintaining functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS11281269B2Power adapter with networking

Publication Date: 2022.03.22 COMCAST CABLE COMM LLC

AI summary

Methods and systems are described for a power adapter. The power adapter may provide power to a computing device. The power adapter may comprise a wireless access point or other communication system. The computing device may be configured to access the wireless access point or other communications systems in the power adapter.