Low-Voltage Network Device Powering via Existing Wiring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Controlled-environment facilities like jails and prisons face challenges in powering electronic devices such as mobile phone detectors, wireless access points, and surveillance systems due to the absence of AC sockets, and the high cost and risk of installing traditional electrical outlets, which can pose safety hazards.
Innovation Solution
The development of integrated network devices that utilize low-power technologies, enabling the use of low-voltage wires to power electronic devices and transmit data, with the ability to switch between low-power and high-power operations using stored battery charge, allowing for efficient deployment and operation in environments without traditional electrical infrastructure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If traditional AC sockets are installed to power electronic devices, then sufficient power is available, but safety hazards increase and installation costs rise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical/electrical AC power distribution system with a low-voltage power delivery system that uses existing telephone wiring infrastructure. This substitution eliminates the need for high-voltage AC sockets and associated safety hazards while providing sufficient power to electronic devices through low-voltage DC delivery over the wire pairs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a low-voltage power delivery intermediary system that bridges the gap between existing telephone infrastructure and power-hungry electronic devices. This intermediary uses the existing wire pairs as a medium to deliver power safely at low voltage, avoiding direct connection to high-voltage AC sources while still enabling device operation.
2Power
If traditional AC sockets are installed to power electronic devices, then sufficient power is available, but installation costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the existing telephone wire infrastructure multi-functional by enabling it to carry both traditional telephony signals and power delivery simultaneously. This universality allows the same physical infrastructure to serve multiple purposes, eliminating the need for separate AC power installation while providing power to devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows the existing telephone wiring infrastructure to serve itself by delivering power through its own capacity. The wire pairs that already exist in the building are utilized to provide power delivery without requiring external AC power infrastructure, making the system self-sufficient and cost-effective.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If low-voltage wires are used to power electronic devices, then safety and installation costs improve, but power capability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic power management where the system can adapt its power delivery characteristics based on device needs. The low-voltage power delivery system dynamically adjusts current and voltage levels to provide sufficient power capability while maintaining safety, and can switch between power modes to meet varying device requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite power delivery system that combines low-voltage DC power delivery with existing telephone wiring. This composite approach integrates multiple functions (power delivery, data communication, telephony) into a unified system that overcomes the limitations of individual components while maintaining safety.
4Device complexity
If low-voltage wires are used to transmit data and power, then infrastructure complexity is reduced, but power delivery capability is insufficient for high-power devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the power delivery function from the existing telephony infrastructure by introducing dedicated power delivery circuitry and protocols. This segmentation allows the low-voltage wires to carry both telephony signals and power separately, enabling sufficient power delivery capability while maintaining the simplicity of using existing infrastructure.
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
Enables the effective deployment and operation of electronic devices in controlled-environment facilities without the need for AC sockets, enhancing safety and reducing installation costs by utilizing existing low-voltage wiring for both power and communication, while allowing for flexible power modes to suit different operational needs.
Implementation Method 1
The method may also include, during a second time interval subsequent to the first time interval, using the electrical current in addition to the charge stored in the battery to perform the electronic operation
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for integrated network devices utilizing low-power technologies are disclosed. In some embodiments, a method may include receiving, over one or more pairs of low-voltage wires (e.g., telephone wires, intercom wires, security system wiring, etc.), an electrical current sufficient to power an electronic device disposed within a controlled-environment facility (e.g., a jail, prison, etc.). The method may also include performing an electronic operation within the facility and transmitting, to a communication system serving the facility over the low-voltage wire(s), information related to the operation. In some implementations, the electronic device may be a mobile phone detection apparatus, a wireless access point, and/or a surveillance device. The method may also include, during a first time interval, using the electrical current to store a charge in a battery, and, during a second time interval, using the current in addition to the charge stored in the battery to perform the operation.