Building Control Device Using LPWAN for Low-Power Cloud Connectivity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current building automation systems, particularly thermostats, face challenges in maintaining long-term connectivity to cloud and local mobile devices while minimizing power source replacement and avoiding the burden of frequent hardware installation and maintenance, especially with Wi-Fi connectivity issues that lead to heat generation and compatibility problems.
Innovation Solution
A low-power, long-life connected device using NarrowBand Internet of Things (NB-IoT) or LoRa low-powered wide area network (LPWAN) connectivity, eliminating the need for local gateways and enabling direct cloud connection, with a simplified commissioning process that allows devices to connect directly to LPWAN Service Providers using standardized protocols, reducing power consumption and maintenance needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If Wi-Fi connectivity is used for cloud connection, then local network access is enabled, but power consumption increases and heat generation occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the communication parameter from Wi-Fi to LPWAN technology, fundamentally altering the power consumption characteristics while maintaining connectivity functionality. This parameter change enables the device to achieve cloud connectivity with significantly reduced power usage and heat generation.
2Reliability
If Wi-Fi connectivity is used, then local network access is available, but compatibility problems and installation complexity arise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the device from the local network infrastructure by eliminating the requirement for Wi-Fi routers and local gateways. The LPWAN technology enables direct connection to the cloud, removing the intermediate network infrastructure and its associated compatibility and installation complexities.
3Reliability
If traditional mobile networks are used, then connectivity is achieved, but cost and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the network technology parameter from traditional mobile networks to LPWAN, which is specifically designed for low-power applications. This parameter change maintains connectivity reliability while dramatically reducing power consumption for stationary IoT devices like thermostats.
Data Source
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AI summary
A device incorporating electronics including a transmitter to transmit commands to a remote HVAC unit, a communication module for connecting the device to a low power network, and a controller to communicate with the HVAC unit and communicate with a remote device over the low power network. The device further incorporates a power source to power the electronics.