Batteryless Doorbell Power Delivery via AC Phase Splitting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional doorbell systems require separate power sources for audio/video (A/V) doorbells and signaling devices, leading to inefficiencies and reliability issues, especially in harsh environmental conditions, and often rely on batteries with limited lifetimes and performance constraints.
Innovation Solution
A batteryless A/V doorbell system powered from a single alternating current (AC) line power source, where the A/V doorbell and signaling device are connected in series, using AC line power to supply direct current (DC) power to both, eliminating the need for batteries and utilizing energy harvesting for additional power when needed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate power sources are used for A/V doorbells and signaling devices, then each device can operate independently, but the system complexity increases and reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple power sources into a single unified power supply system. The power supply circuit is configured to accept power from either a first power source or a second power source, eliminating the need for separate power sources for the A/V doorbell and signaling device. This merging approach reduces system complexity while maintaining reliability through redundant power sourcing capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The power supply circuit is designed with multi-functionality to operate with different power sources. It can automatically switch between a first power source (such as power from the signaling device circuit) and a second power source (such as a dedicated power adapter), making the power supply system universal and adaptable to various power availability scenarios, thereby improving reliability without increasing complexity.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If batteries are used in doorbell systems, then portability and installation flexibility are improved, but battery lifetime is limited and performance is constrained in harsh environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the battery component from the doorbell system. By removing batteries entirely, the system avoids all associated limitations including limited lifetime, harsh environment performance constraints, and maintenance requirements. The system instead uses mains power or alternative power sources that provide continuous operation without degradation over time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements self-service power management by automatically detecting and switching between available power sources. The power supply circuit autonomously determines whether to draw power from the signaling device circuit or from a dedicated power adapter, eliminating the need for manual battery replacement or charging, and providing continuous operation without human intervention.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple power sources are supported, then system versatility and reliability are improved, but power management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply circuit incorporates feedback mechanisms to automatically monitor the status of multiple power sources and dynamically switch between them. The circuit detects the availability and quality of power from different sources and autonomously selects the most appropriate source, providing versatile power compatibility while keeping power management transparent and simple for the user.
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 a reliable, cost-effective, and efficient power supply for A/V doorbell systems without batteries, enhancing their performance and durability in various environmental conditions while reducing the number of components and potential failures.
Implementation Method 1
using AC line power to supply direct current (DC) power to both
Data Source
AI summary
In implementations described herein, A/V recording and communication doorbell devices (“A/V doorbells”) and signaling devices may be powered from a common AC waveform. In some implementations, an A/V doorbell and its corresponding signaling device may be arranged in a circuit loop where a portion of an AC waveform is used to power the A/V doorbell and the other portions of the AC waveform is used to power the signaling device. For example, a positive phase of the AC waveform may be used to power one of the A/V doorbell or signaling device and a negative phase of the AC waveform may be used to power the other of the A/V doorbell or signaling device. In some cases, an energy harvester device may be used to slow charge a battery or supercapacitor from the circuit loop to power the A/V doorbell and/or signaling device.