Alarm Interconnect Wire Remote Control via Voltage Modulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing remote control systems for alarm devices, such as smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, require additional wiring and modifications, leading to bulkier units, increased costs, and logistical challenges in installation and maintenance, particularly due to the need for non-isolated mains-rated wiring and specific color coding.
Innovation Solution
A remote control unit that modulates signals via a higher voltage level on the interconnect wire, using a switch to connect the mains supply via capacitors and diodes, allowing for remote testing, hushing, and low-battery suppression without the need for additional wiring or mechanical modifications, utilizing existing interconnect lines for signal transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a separate wire is run from the alarm for remote control, then remote control functionality is achieved, but the alarm unit becomes bulkier and installation becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the remote control function with the existing interconnect wire by detecting voltage modulations on this shared communication line. Instead of adding a separate control wire, the system merges multiple functions (interconnection and remote control) into a single existing wire, eliminating the need for additional wiring and reducing installation complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The interconnect wire is made multi-functional by using it for both alarm interconnection and remote control signaling. The system detects remote control commands through voltage modulations on the same wire used for alarm communication, allowing one wire to serve multiple purposes and reducing overall system complexity
2Ease of operation
If a separate wire is run from the alarm for remote control, then remote control functionality is achieved, but the alarm unit becomes bulkier from cosmetic point of view
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the remote control function with the existing interconnect wire by detecting voltage modulations on this shared communication line. Instead of adding a separate control wire, the system merges multiple functions (interconnection and remote control) into a single existing wire, eliminating the need for additional wiring and reducing installation complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the remote control functionality from the physical domain (separate wire) and implements it in the electrical signal domain (voltage modulation detection). By taking out the need for additional physical wiring and implementing control through electrical signal detection on existing wires, the alarm unit's physical dimensions remain unchanged
3Reliability
If non-isolated mains rated wiring is used for alarm interconnection, then safety requirements are met, but the choice of wire color is limited and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the alarm system to self-identify which interconnect wire serves which function through voltage modulation detection. The system automatically determines wire assignments by detecting the characteristic voltage modulations placed on wires by remote control units, eliminating the need for pre-planned color-coding schemes and manual wire identification during installation
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
Enables convenient and cost-effective remote control of alarm devices by using existing wiring, reducing bulk and installation complexity, while ensuring regulatory compliance and enhancing user control over alarm systems.
Implementation Method 1
a remote control unit and alarm devices. The remote control unit modulates remote control signals for transmission over an interconnect wire to the alarm devices
Implementation Method 2
the switch connects the mains supply to the interconnect wire via a capacitor and a diode
Implementation Method 3
the switch connects the mains supply to the interconnect wire via a capacitor and a diode
Data Source
Figure A~1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
An alarm system comprises a plurality of alarm devices (10) interconnected by an interconnect wire (IC), and a remote control unit (1). The remote control unit (1) modulating remote control signals on an interconnect wire (IC) linking the alarm devices (10), and the alarm device control circuits (50) perform operations in response to said signals. The remote control unit (1) applies to the interconnect wire (IC) a higher voltage level than that of alarm device interconnect signals. A switch (3) causes the high-Voltage signal to be delivered on the interconnect wire (IC) by connecting the mains supply to the interconnect wire (IC) via a capacitor (C1, C2) and a diode (CR2). The alarm device control circuits (50) operate in response to a remote control signal to test or hush, the associated devices or to suppress low-battery beeps. Also, a remote control unit (1) switch (2) and a circuit (4) operate in response to a user input to short the interconnect wire (IC) to a low voltage, so that interconnect signalling of the alarm devices (10) is prevented and only a device sensing on alarm condition sounds.