Garage Door Opener Credential Handover Beyond Weak Wi-Fi
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing network-enabled garage door openers face challenges such as the inconvenience of requiring homeowners to provide Wi-Fi network passwords for setup, inability to connect in homes without existing networks, and unreliable operation due to poor Wi-Fi signal strength in garages.
Innovation Solution
A movable barrier operator system that uses a credential-based installation process, allowing installers to transfer control credentials through a remote computer, enabling seamless handover from installer to builder and homeowner, and facilitating communication via wide-area networks like cellular, ensuring reliable operation even in areas with weak Wi-Fi signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If Wi-Fi network connection is used for control, then remote control capability is achieved, but signal reliability deteriorates in areas with poor Wi-Fi quality
Solution Approach 1:
A cellular network communication module is introduced as an intermediary communication channel between the garage door opener and the user's smartphone. When Wi-Fi signal is unavailable or unreliable, the system automatically switches to cellular network communication, maintaining remote control capability without being dependent on local Wi-Fi network quality.
2Reliability
If Wi-Fi network setup is required for installation, then network connectivity is established, but installation complexity increases due to password requirements and network availability issues
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs automatic network configuration and connection establishment without requiring installer intervention for password entry or network setup. The garage door opener autonomously connects to available networks and configures communication parameters, eliminating manual setup steps and reducing installation complexity while maintaining reliable connectivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-configures multiple communication pathways (Wi-Fi, cellular) before installation is complete. By having backup communication methods ready in advance, the system ensures that network connectivity issues during installation do not prevent successful setup, as the cellular module can immediately take over if Wi-Fi is unavailable.
3Reliability
If cellular network communication is added, then communication reliability in poor Wi-Fi areas is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The communication module is designed to perform multiple functions: Wi-Fi communication, cellular network communication, and automatic switching between them. By consolidating these functions into a single multi-functional module rather than separate systems, the patent reduces overall device complexity while maintaining communication reliability across different network conditions.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods, and apparatuses for managing and controlling movable barrier operator systems are described herein. A method for controlling a movable barrier operator system comprises receiving a credential associated with a first user account from a first user device, storing the credential in a memory of the movable barrier operator system, communicating the credential and an identifier of the movable barrier operator system to a remote computer to register the movable barrier operator system with the remote computer, and configuring the movable barrier operator system to change a state of a movable barrier in response to the movable barrier operator system receiving a state change request from a second user device associated with a second user account, the state change request from the second user device including the credential or a derivative of the credential received from the first user device.