Universal Dispenser Interface Standardizing Communication Protocols
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic dispensers lack standardized components for communication with external systems, leading to inefficiencies in tracking usage and managing refills, particularly due to the variety of unique configurations and the need for customized hardware and software configurations.
Innovation Solution
A universal dispenser interface is introduced, defining a standard communication protocol that allows for modular architecture, enabling seamless communication between main dispenser boards, daughter cards, and external systems, minimizing the impact on battery life and facilitating the addition of specialized functionality across various dispenser types.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If customized hardware and software configurations are used for each dispenser type, then communication between dispensers and external systems can be achieved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal communication interface that can work with multiple dispenser types and configurations. The interface uses standardized connection protocols and can adapt to different dispenser boards through software configuration rather than requiring custom hardware for each dispenser type. This allows one interface design to serve multiple functions across various dispenser applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The communication interface allows for parameter configuration and adjustment to match different dispenser types. Rather than changing hardware architecture, the system modifies communication parameters, protocols, and settings to achieve compatibility with various dispenser configurations, thereby reducing hardware complexity while maintaining adaptability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple customized daughter cards are created for different dispenser types, then specific communication needs can be met, but manufacturing efficiency and scalability decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a single universal daughter card design that can interface with multiple dispenser types. Through software configuration and parameter adjustment, the same hardware platform can adapt to different dispenser configurations, eliminating the need to manufacture multiple customized daughter card variants and thereby improving manufacturing efficiency and scalability.
Solution Approach 2:
The communication interface is designed with separable functional modules that can be configured for different dispenser types through software rather than requiring different hardware assemblies. This modular approach allows standardization of the base platform while enabling customization through configuration, improving manufacturing efficiency.
3Adaptability or versatility
If extensive customization is performed for each dispenser configuration, then communication requirements are satisfied, but labor intensity and installation time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The communication interface incorporates automatic detection and configuration capabilities that reduce manual setup requirements. The system can automatically identify the dispenser type and configure appropriate communication parameters, thereby reducing labor intensity and installation time while maintaining adaptability to different dispenser configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The interface is pre-configured with multiple communication protocol templates and can automatically select the appropriate configuration based on the detected dispenser type. This preliminary preparation of communication templates eliminates the need for extensive manual customization during installation, reducing labor intensity while maintaining protocol compatibility.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a dispenser interface, associated methods and systems, and dispensers employing the dispenser interface and associated systems and methods. An example embodiment provides a product dispenser assembly for dispensing a product. The dispenser comprises a dispenser controller having a first communication interface; and a communication controller having a second communication interface. The second communication interface is operatively connected to the first communication interface. The communication controller is configured to be in communication with one or more devices. The communication controller is configured to receive a command from one of the one or more devices; and provide the command to the dispenser controller. The dispenser controller and communication controller are configured to cause (a) product to be dispensed, (b) dispenser data to be stored, or (c) dispenser data to be communicated in accordance with the command.