Movable Barrier Operator Optical Communication

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing movable barrier operator systems face challenges in synchronizing multiple barriers without the need for trenching or wire installation, often experiencing interference issues with radio frequency-based communication methods.

Innovation Solution

The use of a beam of light to communicate operational information between movable barrier operators, eliminating the need for wires and enhancing resistance to electromagnetic interference.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If RF communication is used between barrier operators, then wireless communication is achieved, but signal interference occurs making coordination difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewireless communicationVSAvoidsignal coordination

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces RF electromagnetic communication with optical communication using light beams. The first barrier operator emits light that carries encoded operational status information, which is detected by the second barrier operator. This substitution of communication medium (from electromagnetic to optical) eliminates signal interference while maintaining wireless operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If wires are installed to connect barrier operators, then reliable communication is achieved, but trenching and installation complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication reliabilityVSAvoidinstallation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces physical wire connections with optical beam communication. Instead of installing conductors through trenches or conduits, the system uses light transmission through air space. This eliminates the need for mechanical wire installation while maintaining communication reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces light as an intermediary medium to transfer information between barrier operators. Rather than direct wire connections, optical signals serve as the intermediary carrier, allowing communication without physical contact or embedded wiring in the ground.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple wires are used to increase system complexity, then more communication capabilities are achieved, but installation becomes more difficult and cumbersome

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication capabilitiesVSAvoidinstallation difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces multiple physical wires with a single optical communication channel. Instead of running separate conductors for different communication functions, the system uses light beams that can carry multiple types of operational information simultaneously, reducing installation complexity while maintaining communication versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 approach allows for easy synchronization of multiple barriers with high reliability and resistance to interference, facilitating efficient operation without trenching or wire usage.

Implementation Method 1

a light beam is encoded with operational information regarding the first movable barrier operator and transmitted from an emitter associated with the first moveable barrier operator to a first detector associated with a second moveable barrier operator

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight emission and transmission: Light

Implementation Method 2

The encoded light beam is transmitted from an emitter associated with the first moveable barrier operator to a first detector associated with a second moveable barrier operator

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight detection: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS8111997B2Multiple movable barrier operator system and method

Publication Date: 2012.02.07 THE CHAMBERLAIN GRP INC

AI summary

A first moveable barrier operator is actuated to move a first moveable barrier and a light beam is encoded with operational information regarding the first movable barrier operator. The encoded light beam is transmitted from an emitter associated with the first moveable barrier operator to a first detector associated with the second moveable barrier operator. The second moveable barrier operator may be subsequently operated at least in part according to the operational information encoded in the light beam.