Home Automation Server and Junction Box Client Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current home automation systems require extensive construction work, multiple devices for various functions, and maintenance, making them complex and inconvenient to install and use.
Innovation Solution
An automated control system comprising a server and client devices integrated into electrical junction boxes, allowing for centralized control of home devices via power lines, eliminating the need for batteries and separate actuators and sensors, and enabling easy installation and remote access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If wireless devices are used for home automation, then construction work is not necessary, but maintenance and radio wave reach become problems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces wireless communication systems with a wired electrical installation-based communication system. The control system uses the existing electrical wiring infrastructure to transmit control signals and data, eliminating radio wave dependency and associated maintenance issues while maintaining installation simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes the home's existing electrical installation infrastructure to provide both power and communication functions. By making the electrical wiring serve dual purposes (power supply and data transmission), the system eliminates the need for separate communication infrastructure and reduces overall maintenance requirements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate devices are installed for different automation functions, then functionality is comprehensive, but installation process becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple automation functions (lighting control, temperature regulation, security, entertainment) into a single integrated control system that operates through the existing electrical installation. This consolidation reduces the number of separate devices needed and simplifies installation while maintaining comprehensive functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system is designed to perform multiple functions through a unified interface and communication protocol. The system can control various electrical devices and systems throughout the home using a single control mechanism, eliminating the need for multiple specialized devices and reducing installation complexity.
3Ease of operation
If actuators and sensors are used separately for different functions, then specific control is achieved, but the room becomes cluttered with multiple devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates sensing and actuating functions into unified control modules that are distributed throughout the electrical installation. Rather than placing separate sensors and actuators in visible locations, the system embeds these components within the electrical infrastructure, maintaining precise control capability while keeping rooms uncluttered.
4Ease of operation
If devices use batteries or outlet cabling for power, then flexibility is provided, but maintenance and user discomfort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically draws power from the home's existing electrical installation without requiring user intervention for battery replacement or cable management. The electrical wiring provides continuous power to all control components, eliminating maintenance associated with batteries and improving user comfort.
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
Facilitates quick, maintenance-free, and cost-effective home automation with universal functionality, allowing control of lights, temperature, security, and other devices, with the ability to update and expand features through internet connectivity.
Implementation Method 1
By placing the client device in the electrical junction boxes of the home, it provides access to each and every one of the cables in the electrical wiring, since the connections of all the wiring in the electrical installation of the home are carried out in these electrical junction boxes
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4a~4c
AI summary
The invention relates to an automated control system (1) for a home, comprising: a server (2) for each home, which controls and communicates with at least one client device (3) arranged in each room of the home to be automated, by means of a first PLC (6), the at least one client device (3) being connected to the wiring of an electrical junction box of the electrical installation of the home and said client device (3) comprising a plurality of sensors (11, 12, 13, 14, 16), a plurality of actuators (15, 18, 19) and a second PLC (20), where the at least one client device (3) and the server (2) feed each other and intercommunicate via the wiring of the electrical installation of the home, such that the server (2) sends instructions to the client devices (3) in order to control the electrical and electronic devices installed in said home.