IoT Power Switch Bridging Protocol Mismatch
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing remote communication technologies for electronic devices face limitations due to incompatibility between different communication protocols and ranges, requiring each device to be in proximity to a wireless network and having sufficient power, which restricts flexibility and functionality, especially for battery-powered devices.
Innovation Solution
A power switching device equipped with multiple communication modules that acts as a bridge between devices, enabling communication across various protocols and allowing devices to be controlled and monitored remotely without direct network connection, using modules such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth Low Energy, and others, and storing data for devices lacking memory.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If each wireless device communicates separately with the wireless network, then each device can be controlled remotely, but each device must be in range of the wireless network and have sufficient power, which increases device complexity and limits placement flexibility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a bridge device that acts as an intermediary between the wireless network and remote devices. The bridge device communicates with devices using protocols like Bluetooth Low Energy, eliminating the requirement for each device to directly connect to the wireless network. This mediator handles protocol translation and data relay, reducing individual device complexity while maintaining remote control functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The bridge device is designed with multiple communication modules supporting different protocols (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Bluetooth Low Energy, Zigbee, etc.), making it a universal communication hub. This multi-functionality allows various types of devices with different communication capabilities to connect to the network through a single bridge, simplifying the overall system architecture.
2Length of stationary object
If Wi-Fi is used for wireless communication, then communication range is sufficient, but power requirements are undesirable for battery-powered devices
Solution Approach 1:
The bridge device is equipped with multiple communication modules, each optimized for specific ranges and power requirements. Bluetooth Low Energy modules handle short-range, low-power device-to-bridge communication, while Wi-Fi modules handle longer-range bridge-to-network communication. This local optimization allows battery-powered devices to use low-power protocols for the most energy-intensive portion of communication.
Solution Approach 2:
The bridge device serves as an intermediary that separates the high-power Wi-Fi communication from battery-powered devices. Devices communicate with the bridge using low-power protocols, and the bridge handles Wi-Fi communication with the network, thus shielding devices from high power consumption while maintaining extended communication range.
3Use of energy by moving object
If Bluetooth Low Energy is used for wireless communication, then power requirements are reduced, but communication range is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The bridge device acts as a range-extending intermediary. Battery-powered devices communicate with the bridge using Bluetooth Low Energy for short-range, low-power communication. The bridge then relays this communication to the network or other devices using Wi-Fi or other protocols for longer range, thus extending the effective communication range without requiring devices to consume high power.
Solution Approach 2:
The system architecture transitions from direct device-to-network communication to device-to-bridge-to-network communication, adding a dimensional layer to the communication topology. This indirect communication path allows devices to operate in low-power mode locally while achieving extended range through the bridge's higher-power communication capabilities.
4Adaptability or versatility
If devices with different communication protocols need to communicate, then protocol compatibility is required, but communication incompatibility limits device interoperability
Solution Approach 1:
The bridge device serves as a protocol translation intermediary, equipped with multiple communication modules supporting different protocols (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Bluetooth Low Energy, Zigbee, etc.). Devices with different protocols communicate with the bridge using their native protocols, and the bridge handles protocol translation and routing, enabling interoperability without requiring devices to support multiple protocols themselves.
Solution Approach 2:
The bridge device is designed as a universal communication hub with multi-protocol support, allowing it to interface with various types of devices regardless of their specific communication protocols. This universality simplifies device interoperability by centralizing protocol compatibility requirements in the bridge rather than in each individual device.
5Length of stationary object
If multiple routers or wireless access points are deployed to extend network coverage, then communication range is improved, but device quantity and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent consolidates multiple network access functions into a single bridge device that supports multiple communication protocols and can serve multiple devices simultaneously. Instead of deploying multiple routers or access points, the bridge combines Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and other protocol support in one device, reducing the total number of network devices while maintaining extended coverage and connectivity.
Data Source
AI summary
Power switching devices deliver power to at least one powered device and may command, control and/or monitor the powered device(s). The power switching devices may further bridge communications between remote devices, and for wireless devices uses wireless communication, such as, but not limited to, radio frequency (RF), Bluetooth, light, and sound frequencies, and Wi-Fi, wired and wireless internet, the cloud, and personal computing devices. Systems utilize such power switching devices for monitoring, command and/or control of the remote or powered devices, integration of information into data management applications, data storage, putting into place threshold alarms, monitoring available variables, functions and data, and associating events with time.