Sanitaryware Controller Pairing for Secure Wireless Selection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for connecting sanitary article controls to computers are complex and insecure, particularly in large systems, and impractical for private individuals due to the need for specialized devices and risk of incorrect connections.

Innovation Solution

A method for securely connecting a sanitary article control to a computer using a pairing process that involves a wireless communication interface, an input interface, and a detection sensor, allowing users to selectively connect desired controls while ensuring only authorized devices are linked, using protocols like Bluetooth or NFC.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a service device with wired or infrared connection is used to connect sanitary article controls to computers, then connection capability is achieved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate due to requiring specialized service devices and separate connections for each control

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection securityVSAvoidconnection complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by enabling computers with standard wireless communication interfaces (Bluetooth, NFC) to connect to sanitary article controls without requiring specialized service devices. The wireless communication interface in the control unit allows any compatible computer to establish connections, eliminating the need for dedicated wired or infrared service devices and simplifying the overall system architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary pairing process that mediates connections between computers and sanitary article controls. The pairing code displayed on the control unit's output interface acts as an intermediary verification mechanism, ensuring secure connections while simplifying the connection process for end users who don't need specialized service devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If a service device establishes separate connections with each sanitary article control, then individual control connection is achieved, but ease of operation and productivity deteriorate in large systems requiring maintenance of multiple controls

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection accuracyVSAvoidmaintenance efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies feedback by displaying a pairing code on the output interface of the sanitary article control unit. This visual feedback allows maintenance personnel to verify which control is currently being connected to, ensuring connection accuracy while enabling efficient management of multiple controls in large systems through clear identification and confirmation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The control unit performs self-identification by displaying its own pairing code on the output interface, allowing maintenance personnel to easily identify and connect to the correct control without requiring complex device management. The control unit essentially serves itself by providing its identification information directly to the user.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If wireless connection protocols like Bluetooth are used for connection, then ease of operation improves, but reliability deteriorates due to uncontrolled connection processes and risk of connecting to incorrect controls

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection simplicityVSAvoidconnection security
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by requiring the pairing process to be initiated first, during which a pairing code is displayed on the output interface. This preliminary verification step ensures that the correct control is identified and selected before the actual wireless connection is established, preventing unauthorized or incorrect connections while maintaining ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3525048B1Pairing method
Publication Date: 2023.09.06 GEBERIT INT AG
  • EP3525048B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3525048B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3525048B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method for connecting a sanitaryware controller (1a) selected from a group of at least one sanitaryware controller (1a), in particular selected from a group of at least two sanitaryware controllers (1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 1e, 1f), to a computer (2), wherein the sanitaryware controller (1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 1e, 1f) is configured to control a function of a sanitaryware item and has at least one processor (3), a wireless communication interface (4) operatively connected to the processor, and an input interface (5) operatively connected to the processor, wherein the computer (2) has at least one processor (6), a wireless communication interface (7) operatively connected to the processor (6), and a screen (8) operatively connected to the processor (6), wherein a pairing process is performed for the data connection (D) between the sanitaryware controller (1a) to be connected and the computer (2).and wherein, during the pairing process, the input interface (5) on the sanitaryware control unit (1a) to be connected is activated, as a result of which activation the data connection (D) between the communication interface (4) of said sanitaryware control unit (1a) and the communication interface (7) of the computer (2) is established, such that data can be exchanged between the processor (3) of the sanitaryware control unit (1a) and the processor (6) of the computer (2).