Universal Control Module With Detachable Signal Converters
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manufacturers of home appliances face inventory pressure due to the need for multiple control devices capable of receiving different types of wireless signals, as existing solutions require separate control devices for each type of wireless signal, leading to unused inventory when only specific types are selected by clients.
Innovation Solution
A control device for home appliances comprising a control module with a port for electrical signals and detachable signal converters that convert various wireless control signals into electrical signals, allowing a single type of control module to be used with different signal converters for different wireless signals, reducing the need for multiple control device types.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple types of control devices are developed to support different wireless signals, then the adaptability of the home appliance system is improved, but the inventory pressure and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The control module is designed with a universal interface that can accept multiple types of wireless signal converters (RF, infrared, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi), allowing a single control module to perform multiple functions by simply changing the attached converter rather than designing separate control devices for each signal type
Solution Approach 2:
The control device is divided into two independent parts: a universal control module and a signal-specific converter. The converter is detachably connected to the control module via a port, allowing the signal reception function to be segmented and replaced independently while keeping the main control logic unchanged
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple types of control devices are developed to support different wireless signals, then the adaptability of the home appliance system is improved, but the inventory pressure increases
Solution Approach 1:
A single universal control module can support multiple wireless signal types by accepting different converters, eliminating the need to manufacture and store multiple types of complete control devices, thus reducing inventory pressure while maintaining adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The control module merges the common control logic with a standardized interface, while the specific signal conversion functions are merged into separate interchangeable converters. This combination allows flexibility without requiring separate complete control devices for each signal type
Data Source
AI summary
A home appliance includes a controlled assembly, a control module, and a signal converter. The control module is electrically connected to the controlled assembly, and the control module has a port for receiving an electrical signal. The control module controls the controlled assembly according to the electrical signal received through the port. The signal converter receives a wireless control signal, and converts the wireless control signal into the electrical signal to be transmitted to the port. The signal converter is selected from a plurality of signal converters which respectively convert signals of different types. While assembling, the signal converter is connected to the port, which makes the control module and the connected signal converter constitute a control device of the home appliance. Whereby, the inventory pressure of control devices can be reduced for manufacturers.