User interface for height adjustable tables
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing height adjustable tables lack a user interface that can efficiently communicate with various controllers using different communication protocols, leading to inconsistent height adjustments and user input processing.
Innovation Solution
A user interface with an electronic processor that stores protocol information for multiple communication protocols, generates instructions based on expected responses, and adjusts communication protocols dynamically to ensure accurate height control through a universal electrical connector.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a user interface supports multiple communication protocols to communicate with various controllers, then the adaptability and versatility of the user interface is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the need to store and process multiple protocol information sets
Solution Approach 1:
The user interface is designed with multi-functionality to support multiple communication protocols (LIN, CAN, UART, I2C, SPI) through a single universal electrical connector. The electronic processor can dynamically select and switch between different protocols based on the connected controller type, allowing one device to perform multiple communication functions without requiring separate interface hardware for each protocol.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the user interface dynamically switches between different communication protocols, then the adaptability to different controllers is improved, but the loss of time occurs during protocol detection and switching processes
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-storing protocol information for multiple communication protocols (LIN, CAN, UART, I2C, SPI) in memory before actual communication begins. When a controller is connected, the electronic processor quickly detects the protocol type and retrieves the corresponding pre-stored protocol information, avoiding time-consuming protocol analysis and configuration during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The electronic processor uses feedback mechanisms to detect the communication protocol type by monitoring electrical characteristics (voltage levels, signal patterns) from the connected controller. Based on this feedback, the processor automatically selects the appropriate protocol from stored information and adjusts communication parameters accordingly, enabling rapid protocol adaptation without manual intervention.
3Ease of operation
If the user interface uses a universal electrical connector to couple with different controllers, then the ease of operation and installation is improved, but the reliability may be affected by inconsistent communication responses from different controllers
Solution Approach 1:
The user interface employs dynamic protocol selection and switching capabilities. The electronic processor continuously monitors communication responses and dynamically adjusts the communication protocol based on the connected controller's characteristics. This dynamic adaptation ensures reliable communication by matching the interface behavior to the specific controller requirements, rather than using a fixed protocol that may not suit all controllers.
Data Source
AI summary
A user interface for a height adjustable table includes a memory for storing protocol information for a number of communication protocols, and an electronic processor configured to generate instructions for a controller of the height adjustable table, receive the protocol information from the memory, and generate a first instruction for the control box based one of the communication protocols included in the protocol information, and monitor for a first response from the controller. The electronic processor is further configured to determine whether the first response is an expected response based on the first instruction, generate a second instruction for the controller in response to the first response not being the expected response, and monitor for a second response from the controller. The electronic processor also determines whether the second response is the expected response and continues issuing subsequent instructions based on the second response not being the expected response.