Wireless Functional Unit Pairing via Coupling Information Transfer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for coupling functional units that communicate wirelessly are time-consuming, prone to errors, and require technical knowledge, especially when multiple units are present, and are inflexible regarding location and visibility of identifiers.

Innovation Solution

A process involving establishing a first wireless communication link between primary functional units, transmitting coupling information to establish a second communication link with secondary units using different communication methods (NFC and Bluetooth) to facilitate reliable and flexible coupling without manual selection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual coupling of functional units is performed by user selection, then coupling can be established between intended functional units, but the process becomes time-consuming and requires additional technical knowledge

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecorrect couplingVSAvoidcoupling time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs coupling automatically without requiring user intervention. The control unit identifies functional units and establishes communication links autonomously based on identification data, eliminating the need for manual selection and technical knowledge while ensuring correct coupling.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Identification data is stored in advance in the functional units or transmission medium. This preliminary preparation of coupling information allows the system to perform rapid automatic coupling without requiring users to manually select units or acquire technical knowledge.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of operation

If manual coupling is performed, then coupling can be established, but errors in coupling between incorrect functional units may occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoupling operationVSAvoidcoupling accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses identification data as feedback to verify correct coupling. The control unit reads identification data from the transmission medium or second functional unit and automatically verifies matching, ensuring that only intended functional units are coupled and preventing errors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system autonomously verifies coupling correctness by comparing identification data without requiring user knowledge or manual verification. This self-verification mechanism prevents coupling errors while maintaining ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Difficulty of detecting and measuring

If functional units require visible identifiers or screens for distinction, then correct identification is possible, but not every functional unit has these features and attaching identifiers is time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveunit identificationVSAvoididentifier requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

Difficulty of detecting and measuringVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces mechanical/visual identification methods (screens, physical identifiers) with electronic identification data stored in the functional units or transmission medium. This substitution eliminates the need for visible identifiers while enabling reliable unit distinction through data-based identification.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

Identification data is copied and stored in the transmission medium or second functional unit, allowing the system to reference this data for identification without requiring the original functional units to have visible identifiers or screens.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

4Reliability

If functional units must be held together for coupling, then coupling can be established, but flexibility of location is reduced and local conditions may make this difficult or undesirable

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoupling establishmentVSAvoidlocation flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces the mechanical requirement of holding functional units together with an electronic/data-based coupling process. The control unit establishes communication links by reading identification data from the transmission medium, allowing coupling to occur without physical contact and maintaining location flexibility while ensuring reliable coupling establishment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS20260067968A1Process for coupling functional units, system and functional unit

Publication Date: 2026.03.05 DRAGERWERK AG

AI summary

A process couples functional units that are configured to communicate wirelessly with each other. The process includes establishing a first wireless communication link (5) between a first primary functional unit (1) and a second primary functional unit (2). The first primary functional unit is coupled to a secondary functional unit (3). Coupling information is transmitted (4) from the first primary functional unit to the second primary functional unit via the first wireless communication link. The coupling information includes coupling data for coupling with the secondary functional unit. The second primary functional unit is coupled to the secondary functional unit based on the coupling information to establish a second wireless communication link (6). A functional unit (9) as well as a system, including a medical device (7) and/or a sensor (8) or personal protective equipment, a gas measuring device, and/or a gas sensor, carry out the process.