Wireless Configuration Adapter for Manual-Control-Free Device Setup

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing target devices require manual configuration through switches and knobs, which increases cost and complexity, and lack efficient monitoring without a direct network connection.

Innovation Solution

An adapter that interfaces with target devices, allowing configuration and monitoring via a wireless connection using a configuration application on an electronic device, eliminating the need for manual controls and enabling efficient setup and data transfer.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual configuration through switches and knobs is used, then device configuration is achieved, but cost and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconfiguration operationVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical configuration (switches and knobs) with automated electronic configuration through a configuration application that communicates with the target device via adapter, eliminating the need for physical manual controls and reducing device complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The target device is configured automatically through the configuration application which reads configuration data and applies it to the device parameters without requiring manual intervention through switches or knobs, enabling self-service configuration

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Ease of operation

If manual configuration through switches and knobs is used, then device configuration is achieved, but cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconfiguration operationVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent eliminates mechanical configuration components (switches, knobs, and associated housing features) by implementing software-based configuration through an adapter and configuration application, thereby reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining ease of operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts and removes the manual control interface (switches and knobs) from the target device, replacing it with a wireless or wired digital configuration interface that reduces bill of materials and assembly complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Loss of time

If wireless communication is used for configuration, then setup effort is reduced, but direct network connection is eliminated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesetup timeVSAvoidconnection reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an adapter as an intermediary device that enables configuration communication between the configuration application and the target device, allowing wireless or alternative communication paths while maintaining configuration reliability without requiring direct network connection

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3965378B1Adapter and method for device configuration
Publication Date: 2025.09.24 ROCKWELL AUTOMATION TECH INC
  • EP3965378B1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP3965378B1 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP3965378B1 patent drawingFigure 1C

AI summary

For device configuration and monitoring, a processor receives configuration settings from an electronic device via the electronic device interface. The processor converts the configuration settings to hardware settings for a target device. The processor communicates the hardware settings to the target device via a target device interface.