Universal Interface Device for Network Appliance Retrofitting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices lack a cost-effective and versatile solution for turning various appliances into network devices, as they require specific firmware and programming for each type, limiting mass production and flexibility in integration.
Innovation Solution
A device-agnostic interface device that determines appliance capabilities and translates network commands, allowing for mass production and easy integration into different appliances without changing firmware or programming, and can be sold separately for retrofitting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If appliance-specific firmware and programming are used to enable network functionality, then the appliance can be controlled through a network, but the manufacturing cost increases and mass production becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal interface device that can be integrated into multiple types of appliances without requiring appliance-specific firmware or programming. The interface device includes a processor and memory with instructions that enable it to communicate with different appliance types through a standardized protocol, allowing a single interface device design to serve multiple appliance functions and manufacturers.
Solution Approach 2:
The interface device acts as an intermediary between the appliance and the network. It translates network commands into appliance-specific commands and vice versa, eliminating the need for each appliance to have built-in network capability. This mediator approach allows appliances to maintain their simple, cost-effective design while still achieving network connectivity through the added interface device.
2Reliability
If appliance-specific interface devices are used for each appliance type, then the interface can be optimized for that appliance, but inventory complexity increases and flexibility in integration is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The interface device is designed with universal functionality to work with multiple appliance types through a standardized communication protocol. The processor and memory contain instructions that enable the same physical device to adapt to different appliance interfaces and control schemes, eliminating the need for maintaining separate interface device inventories for different appliance types.
Solution Approach 2:
The interface device achieves adaptability through parameter changes in its software/firmware configuration rather than hardware changes. By loading different instruction sets or configuration parameters into the processor memory, the same physical interface device can be optimized for different appliance types, maintaining reliability while reducing device variety.
3Adaptability or versatility
If network interface functionality is built into each appliance, then network control is enabled, but the processor cost and manufacturing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The interface device serves as an intermediary that concentrates the network connectivity functionality outside the appliance. Instead of each appliance needing its own network processor and interface hardware, the interface device handles all network communication tasks, allowing appliances to use simpler, more cost-effective processors while still achieving network connectivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The network interface functionality is extracted from the appliance and placed in a separate, dedicated interface device. This extraction allows the appliance processor to be manufactured at lower cost without network capabilities, while the interface device provides the necessary network functionality through its own specialized hardware and software.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to an interface device to control an appliance through a network. The interface device can be device-agnostic and can be incorporated into any suitable appliance. Upon initialization, the interface device can determine the capabilities of the attached appliance and send out update information that can be received by a controller. The controller can send commands designated to control the appliance, which are received by the interface device and translated into appropriate commands that are transmitted to the appliance. The interface device can turn the appliance into a network device, such as a home automation network device.