Networked Gas Appliance Remote Control With Zigbee Repeater
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Solution Overview
Problem
Gas appliances often require manual operation, which can be inconvenient, especially in cold weather, and users face challenges with multiple appliances having separate remote controls and limited remote control functionality, especially regarding safety and monitoring.
Innovation Solution
A remote control system that connects a gas appliance to a repeater via a network, allowing control through devices like smartphones or computers, with sensors to detect anomalies and send alerts, using Zigbee transceivers for communication and internet connectivity for long-distance control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a remote control device is used to operate gas appliances, then the user can control the appliance from a distance, but the control range is limited and the user cannot operate the appliance from far away locations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a repeater as an intermediary device that receives control signals from the remote control device and retransmits them to the gas appliance. This mediator extends the control range by creating a relay communication path, allowing users to operate appliances from distant locations beyond the direct remote control range.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a network communication dimension to the traditional remote control system. By incorporating network interfaces and using network protocols for communication, the system transitions from limited radio frequency control to expansive network-based control, enabling operations from any location with network connectivity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple gas appliances are equipped with separate remote controls, then each appliance can be controlled independently, but the user has difficulty finding and managing multiple remote controls
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal remote control device that can control multiple different gas appliances through the network. Instead of requiring separate remote controls for each appliance, a single remote control device with network connectivity can communicate with and control any network-connected gas appliance, eliminating the need for multiple dedicated remotes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the control functions for multiple appliances into a single remote control device. By combining network communication capabilities with appliance control functionality in one device, the system consolidates what would otherwise require multiple separate remote controls into a unified control interface.
3Ease of operation
If the gas appliance is operated manually, then the user can control it directly, but the user must physically go to the appliance location which is inconvenient in cold weather
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/physical approach of manually going to the appliance with an electronic remote control system. Instead of physically traveling to the appliance location, the user sends electronic control signals through the network to the appliance, eliminating the need for physical presence and saving time and effort.
4Length of moving object
If the remote control system is expanded to allow long-distance control, then the user can operate the appliance from anywhere, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the existing network infrastructure as an intermediary communication channel. Rather than building a complex dedicated long-distance control system, the patent leverages the established network (WiFi, Ethernet, etc.) as a mediator to transmit control signals over long distances, reducing system complexity by reusing existing communication infrastructure.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a remote control system that includes at least a gas appliance; a repeater, and a remote control device. The gas appliance is connected to the repeater through a Zigbee transmission, and the remote control device is connected to the repeater through a network (internet or telecommunication network). User inputs a command at the remote control device, and the remote control device transmits the command to the repeater through the network, and then the repeater will control the gas appliance according to the command. The gas appliance is provided with sensors to detect data in regards to the gas appliance. The data is transmitted to the remote control device and shown on a screen through the repeater and the network.