AC Appliance Status Verification via Current Sensing and Power Line Communication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current home automation systems face challenges in verifying the on-off status of remotely operated appliances, require complex and costly wiring redesigns, and cannot reliably report real-time current drain statuses, especially for wireless-controlled appliances, due to limitations in existing AC power relay technologies and electrical safety codes.
Innovation Solution
The integration of AC current sensors and status sensors with semiconductor or mechanical SPDT relays, connected via lightguide or fiber optic cables, allows for bidirectional communication to confirm appliance status and enable error-free remote control of multiple lights or appliances using a single key lever, compatible with standard electrical switches and compliant with safety codes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If AC power relays are used to remotely operate appliances, then remote control capability is achieved, but verification of appliance status becomes complex and unreliable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by having appliances report their operational status back to the controller. Status sensors detect whether appliances are actually on or off, and this information is transmitted back through the power line communication system, allowing the controller to verify the actual state of remotely controlled devices and provide accurate status reporting to users.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces status sensors as intermediary devices that mediate between the appliance and the controller. These sensors detect the actual operational state of appliances and transmit this information through the power line communication system, serving as a reliable intermediary that bridges the gap between remote control commands and actual appliance status.
2Loss of information
If relay status is used to update system controller, then status information is provided, but real-time current drain status is not reliably reported
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical relay status indication with electronic current sensing and power line communication. Instead of relying on mechanical relay position, the system uses electronic sensors to detect current draw and communicates this information digitally through the power lines, providing continuous and accurate real-time measurement of actual power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service by having the appliance or its associated sensor automatically report its own current drain status. The status sensor continuously monitors the appliance's power consumption and autonomously transmits this information through the power line communication system, eliminating the need for manual verification or indirect inference from relay status.
3Device complexity
If AC power wires are mixed with low voltage signal wires in the same electrical box or conduit, then wiring complexity is reduced, but electrical safety codes are violated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the existing AC power wiring system multi-functional by using it for both power delivery and data communication. Power line communication technology allows the same electrical wires that carry high-voltage power to also carry low-voltage digital signals, eliminating the need for separate communication wiring while maintaining electrical safety through proper signal isolation and conditioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces communication interface devices as intermediaries that connect the high-voltage power lines with low-voltage communication circuits. These interface devices provide galvanic isolation and signal conditioning, allowing safe communication over power lines without direct mixing of high and low voltage circuits, thus complying with electrical safety codes while enabling data transmission.
4Ease of operation
If wireless remote control devices use the same power key to switch appliances on and off, then operation is simplified, but positive verification of on-off status from remote site becomes impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by having the system automatically detect and report the actual status of appliances back to the remote controller. When a user sends a switch command, the system verifies the actual on/off state through status sensors and power line communication, and provides confirmation to the user, eliminating the need for manual verification while maintaining simple operation.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution provides reliable, real-time status reporting and error-free remote control of appliances, reducing installation costs and maintaining architectural simplicity, while allowing for seamless integration with existing electrical systems and wireless control methods.
Implementation Method 1
connected via lightguide or fiber optic cables, allows for bidirectional communication
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3C
AI summary
A method and apparatus for switching AC appliances and lights of residences and other automation systems through SPDT or DPDT relays connected in electrical circuit with SPDT or DPDT switch including a current sensor and/or a status sensor. The operating key of the relay and the key lever of the electric switch can each be used for operating a dedicated appliance or light, a group of appliance and lights and all appliance and/or lights including scenarios setup via the many well known two way, three way or four way light switches, by operating the switch lever or key in multi steps. The SPDT or DPDT relays are operated via RF, IR and fiber optic communicating two way signal for operating the lights and reporting statuses.