Smart Property Controller for Automated Device Damage Claims

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current insurance policy processing systems fail to accurately assess and automatically manage damage to connected devices within properties, leading to inefficiencies in identifying damaged components, determining replacement costs, and filing insurance claims.

Innovation Solution

A computer-implemented method and system that utilizes a central controller to interface with smart devices, receive sensor data, assess damage, estimate replacement costs, and automatically generate insurance claims, facilitating efficient communication with customers and insurance providers.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If manual insurance claim processing is used, then policyholders can file claims, but the process is inefficient and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinsurance claim processing efficiencyVSAvoidtime required for manual claim filing
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables automatic self-service insurance claim processing by having smart devices automatically detect damage conditions, generate claims, and submit them to insurance providers without requiring manual intervention from policyholders. The controller receives sensor data from smart devices, automatically determines damage, retrieves replacement costs, and files claims electronically.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical processes (physical claim forms, in-person submissions, paper documentation) with automated electronic systems. Smart devices with sensors automatically detect damage, the controller processes information electronically, and claims are transmitted digitally to insurance providers, eliminating the need for manual paperwork and physical interactions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If connected devices are monitored manually, then damage can be identified, but the assessment process is complex and inaccurate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedamage assessment accuracyVSAvoidcomplexity of damage identification process
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The controller serves as an intermediary between smart devices and the insurance processing system. It receives sensor data from multiple smart devices, automatically determines damage conditions, retrieves replacement cost information, and manages the overall claim process. This intermediary simplifies the complexity by centralizing the assessment logic and eliminating the need for manual evaluation of multiple data sources.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements automated feedback loops where smart devices continuously monitor conditions and send data to the controller. When damage is detected, the controller automatically retrieves replacement cost information and generates claims. This feedback mechanism ensures accurate and timely damage assessment without requiring manual intervention at each step of the process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Measurement precision

If replacement costs are determined manually, then claims can be filed, but the process lacks accuracy and efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereplacement cost determination accuracyVSAvoidspeed of claim processing
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by maintaining up-to-date replacement cost information for all smart devices before damage occurs. When damage is detected, the controller can immediately retrieve the pre-stored replacement cost data without requiring manual lookup or estimation. This preliminary preparation of cost information accelerates the claim processing speed while maintaining accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

4Adaptability or versatility

If insurance policies are managed traditionally, then coverage is provided, but connected devices are not properly accounted for

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinsurance system adaptability to smart devicesVSAvoidinformation about connected devices
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The system creates a universal insurance management framework that can handle both traditional insurance policies and smart device-specific coverage. The controller integrates with various types of smart devices (temperature sensors, moisture sensors, cameras, etc.) and adapts the insurance processing to accommodate different device types and damage conditions, making the system versatile across multiple application scenarios.

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

Data Source

PatentUS10922756B1Systems and methods for managing insurance for devices located within a property based on insurance-related events
Publication Date: 2021.02.16 STATE FARM MUTAL AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE COMPANY
  • US10922756B1 patent drawing
  • US10922756B1 patent drawing
  • US10922756B1 patent drawing

AI summary

Methods and systems for processing insurance policies associated with properties may be provided. A property may be populated with a plurality of smart devices or devices that are connected to a central controller, such as via wired or wireless communication. The plurality of devices may be covered by an insurance policy, such as a homeowners, renters, or personal articles insurance policy. The central controller may detect an insurance-related event and may retrieve sensor data and pricing information from one or more of the devices. The central controller may assess damage to the devices and may generate a proposed insurance claim based upon damage to the identified devices. Additionally, the central controller may facilitate a processing of the proposed insurance claim with a customer and an insurance provider. The smart devices may be, or be attached to, appliances, electronics, computers, televisions, jewelry, vehicles, furniture, or other equipment or personal belongings.