Programmable Switch NFC Programming via Mobile Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing programmable switches face challenges in accessibility and efficiency during programming, requiring manual input and power, and lack traceability and automated data collection.
Innovation Solution
A programmable switch equipped with an NFC chip allowing programming via a mobile device with NFC connection and dedicated APP, enabling data recording and traceability, and allowing programming without power or battery, using a smartphone or tablet to load settings and history data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual programming interface or display is used, then programming capability is provided, but accessibility and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a mobile device as an intermediary between the user and the programmable switch. The mobile device's touchscreen interface serves as the programming interface, while the switch only needs to provide NFC communication capability. This mediator resolves the contradiction by placing the complex interface on the mobile device rather than the switch itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces physical programming interfaces (buttons, displays, joysticks) with a wireless NFC-based programming system. The mechanical interaction is substituted by electromagnetic field communication, allowing programming through a mobile device's touchscreen without physical contact with the switch's programming interface.
2Productivity
If manual data input is used for programming, then programming capability is provided, but productivity deteriorates due to time-consuming process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables preliminary programming of the switch during manufacturing or before installation. Configuration files can be pre-loaded onto the switch via NFC, so that when the switch is installed, it is already programmed and ready to use. This eliminates the time-consuming manual programming step that would otherwise be required after installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent allows configuration files to be copied between switches via NFC communication. A programmed switch can serve as a template, and its configuration can be copied to other switches, significantly reducing programming time when multiple identical switches need to be configured.
3Productivity
If programmable keys with USB or wireless connection are used, then programming efficiency is improved, but device complexity and power requirements worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the programming intelligence from a dedicated programming device and places it in a standard mobile device that users already possess. The switch only needs to provide NFC communication capability, while the mobile device handles all the programming logic, configuration file management, and user interface functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the mobile device serve multiple functions: it acts as the programming interface, the configuration file editor, the communication bridge, and the data storage device. This universal approach eliminates the need for specialized programming hardware, as any NFC-enabled mobile device can program the switch.
4Ease of operation
If power network or battery is required during programming, then programming capability is provided, but ease of operation deteriorates due to power dependency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the switch to be programmed in its current state without requiring external power during the programming process. The NFC communication allows data transfer using the switch's existing power supply, eliminating the need to connect to power network or replace batteries specifically for programming purposes.
Data Source
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AI summary
Programmable switch (10) comprising an electronic microcontroller (12) associated to a storage unit (15), to a programming interface (18) and to a display (19), a switch (21) for controlling the opening and closing of an electrical circuit connected thereto, wherein the programmable switch (10) comprises an NFC communication module (16) associated to said electronic microcontroller (12), the switch (10) being programmable by loading data into the storage unit (15) by using both the programming interface (18) and the NFC communication module (16).