Load Control Network Access Using Dual Wireless Protocols
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Solution Overview
Problem
Home Wi-Fi routers often exceed capacity with numerous devices connected, including load control devices, leading to network congestion and inefficiencies in power control systems.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a system where load control devices, such as dimmer switches, utilize dual wireless communication protocols (e.g., Wi-Fi and Clear Connect) to manage network access, allowing them to connect directly to the network only when necessary and disconnect when not in use, thereby optimizing network bandwidth.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If load control devices connect to Wi-Fi network for remote control and monitoring, then network connectivity and control capability are improved, but network capacity is exceeded and congestion occurs when many devices are deployed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network communication function by introducing a gateway device that mediates between Wi-Fi network and load control devices. The gateway handles protocol conversion and message routing, allowing load control devices to communicate without directly burdening the Wi-Fi router with complex communication protocols.
Solution Approach 2:
The gateway device serves as an intermediary between the Wi-Fi network and load control devices. It receives messages from the Wi-Fi network, converts them to appropriate protocols, and forwards them to the target load control devices, thereby protecting the Wi-Fi router from direct communication overhead.
2Ease of manufacture
If multiple load control devices share a single Wi-Fi router, then installation cost is reduced, but network traffic capacity is exceeded and control reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The gateway acts as an intermediary that absorbs and manages network traffic from multiple load control devices. It implements message queuing, protocol conversion, and intelligent routing, ensuring that control commands are reliably delivered even when many devices are present on the network.
Solution Approach 2:
The gateway provides self-service functionality by automatically managing device registration, protocol conversion, and message routing without requiring intervention from the Wi-Fi router. This allows the system to scale to multiple devices while maintaining reliable control through the gateway's intelligent traffic management.
3Speed
If load control devices communicate continuously via Wi-Fi for real-time control, then control responsiveness is improved, but network power consumption and traffic load increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic communication rather than continuous transmission. The gateway and load control devices establish communication only when control actions are needed, using event-triggered messaging that reduces unnecessary network traffic and power consumption while maintaining real-time control responsiveness when required.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus may control the power delivered from an AC power source to an electrical load, and may comprise a controllably conductive device. The apparatus may also comprise a controller that may be operatively coupled to a control input of the controllably conductive device. The apparatus may also include a first wireless communication circuit operable to communicate via a first protocol and to join a first wireless communication network operable to communicate via the first protocol. The first wireless communication circuit may be in communication with the controller. The controller may be operative to determine a first condition for communicating via the first protocol. The controller may also be operable to control the first wireless communication circuit to join the first wireless communication network upon the first condition being satisfied.