Multiple Location Electronic Timer System with Remote Accessory Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic timers for controlling electrical loads lack advanced remote control functionality, user interface simplicity, and feedback mechanisms, limiting their energy management capabilities in commercial and residential settings.
Innovation Solution
A multiple location electronic timer system comprising a wall-mountable electronic timer and accessory timer, which allows for preset timeout period selection, visual indicator display, and remote control of power delivery to an electrical load, enabling automatic power cutoff and indefinite operation modes through a series electrical connection and communication circuit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If electronic timers are wired to remote controls for control from remote locations, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases and functionality remains limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into two functional units: the electronic timer (ET) that controls power delivery and the accessory timer (AT) that provides remote control interface. This segmentation allows the remote control functionality to be added without significantly increasing the complexity of the main timer circuitry, as the AT handles user interaction and communicates control signals to the ET.
Solution Approach 2:
The accessory timer acts as an intermediary device between the user and the electronic timer. It receives user inputs and transmits control signals to the ET, which then executes the power control functions. This intermediary approach enables remote operation while keeping the main timer design relatively simple.
2Adaptability or versatility
If electronic timers provide only basic on/off control, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability and user interface functionality are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The accessory timer provides multiple functions including turning the load on/off, adjusting timeout periods, and providing visual feedback through LED indicators. This multi-functional accessory device enables the simple electronic timer to offer advanced capabilities without requiring the main timer circuitry to be complex.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates visual feedback through LED indicators on both the electronic timer and accessory timer that display the current timeout period and operational status. This feedback mechanism enhances user understanding of system state and provides confirmation of control actions without adding significant complexity to the core timing function.
3Loss of information
If visual indicators display timeout period information, then loss of information is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses LED indicators that change their illumination patterns to convey different information states. The LEDs display the selected timeout period and provide visual feedback about system operation through simple on/off or blinking patterns, effectively communicating status information without requiring complex display mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
A multiple location electronic timer system comprises an electronic timer and one or more accessory timers. The electronic timer is adapted to be coupled between an AC power source and an electrical load. The electronic timer is operable to enable the delivery of power to the load and to subsequently discontinue the delivery of power to the load automatically after a preset timeout period has elapsed. In response to controls signals received from the accessory timer, the electronic timer is operable to adjust the preset timeout period, enable the delivery of power to the load, discontinue the delivery of power to the load, and to enter a bypass mode in which the load is turned on for an indefinite amount of time. The accessory timer may be coupled to the electronic timer via a single conductor, a wired digital communication link, a radio frequency communication link, an infrared communication link, or a power line carrier communication link.