Activatable Substance Connector for Appliance Cycle Control

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing household appliances and accessory devices lack efficient communication systems for substances, leading to suboptimal operation and resource management, as they often rely on manual intervention and lack integrated mechanisms for substance tracking and optimization.

Innovation Solution

The development of substance communicating devices and consumable holders that integrate with appliances, enabling communication through service connector systems, media access components, and information exchange to optimize physical cycles of operation based on substance attributes and consumable data.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If manual intervention is used for substance management, then device complexity is reduced, but operational efficiency and resource management deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational efficiencyVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The substance communicating device automatically tracks substance usage, monitors consumable levels, and manages resource allocation without requiring manual intervention. The system self-regulates by communicating with the appliance controller to optimize operational cycles based on real-time substance availability and characteristics.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The device incorporates sensors and communication interfaces that continuously monitor substance levels, consumable status, and operational parameters. This feedback is transmitted to the appliance controller, which adjusts operational cycles to optimize resource usage and maintain efficient operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Productivity

If integrated communication mechanisms are added, then resource management improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresource managementVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The substance communicating device integrates multiple functions including substance storage, level sensing, communication with the appliance controller, and operational optimization. This multi-functionality allows a single device to handle comprehensive resource management rather than requiring separate systems for each function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines the substance delivery mechanism, sensing elements, communication interfaces, and control logic into an integrated substance communicating device. This merging of components streamlines the system architecture and improves resource management while controlling overall complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Productivity

If substance tracking and optimization are implemented, then operational performance improves, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational performanceVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The substance communicating device is pre-configured with communication protocols, sensing capabilities, and optimization algorithms during manufacturing. This preliminary setup allows the device to immediately begin tracking and optimizing substance usage upon installation, eliminating the need for complex post-installation configuration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual substance management mechanisms with automated electronic sensing and communication systems. This substitution eliminates the need for manual tracking and optimization procedures, improving operational performance while the modular electronic components facilitate easier manufacturing compared to complex mechanical systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Ease of operation

If automated substance management is implemented, then user experience improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser experienceVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The substance communicating device automatically monitors substance levels, predicts consumption patterns, and proactively manages resource allocation without requiring user intervention. This self-service capability enhances user experience by eliminating manual tracking while the integrated design keeps complexity manageable.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS8700809B2Substance communicating device with activatable connector and cycle structure

Publication Date: 2014.04.15 WHIRLPOOL CORP

AI summary

A substance communicating device for use in conjunction with an appliance or a system including an appliance and a substance communicating device. The substance communicating device has a service connector component operably engageable with a service connector component of the appliance to permit the communication of a substance between the appliance and the substance communicating device. Information related to the substance can be communicated to the appliance and used to affect the physical cycle of operation of the appliance.