Mechanical Room Sensor Network Using Power-Line Relay

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wireless communication systems for monitoring backflow prevention systems in mechanical rooms face challenges due to disrupted wireless signals, high power consumption, and the need for additional power outlets or skilled electricians for installation.

Innovation Solution

A wireless communication system that uses low power signal communication, such as Bluetooth or RF, to transmit data within and out of mechanical rooms, with devices connected to in-wall power sources and utilizing power-line communication to transmit data efficiently.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional wireless communication systems are used in mechanical rooms, then data transmission can be achieved, but wireless signals are disrupted and power consumption is high

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewireless signal reliabilityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces power-line communication as an intermediary transmission medium. Instead of relying on disrupted wireless signals, the system uses existing electrical wiring infrastructure to carry communication signals, thereby improving reliability without requiring additional power outlets or increasing power consumption of communication devices

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the wireless electromagnetic field-based communication system with a wired power-line communication system. This substitution eliminates the signal disruption issues inherent in wireless environments while leveraging the existing electrical infrastructure, thus avoiding both signal reliability problems and excessive power consumption

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If additional power outlets or electrical wiring is installed for wireless communication devices, then power supply is improved, but installation requires skilled electricians and increases complexity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower supply reliabilityVSAvoidinstallation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the existing electrical wiring system serve dual functions: power delivery and data communication. By implementing power-line communication, the same electrical infrastructure that provides power also carries communication signals, eliminating the need for separate communication wiring or additional power outlets, thus reducing installation complexity while maintaining power supply reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system utilizes the existing electrical infrastructure to provide both power and communication services. The electrical wiring, already installed and functional for power delivery, is leveraged to also carry communication signals, allowing the system to serve itself without requiring additional installation work by skilled electricians

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If wireless communication is implemented in mechanical rooms, then monitoring capability is improved, but signal disruption occurs due to room layout and equipment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemonitoring reliabilityVSAvoidsignal disruption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses the electrical wiring as an intermediary transmission medium that is immune to the physical obstructions and electromagnetic interference that disrupt wireless signals in mechanical rooms. The wired power-line communication pathway provides a stable, reliable channel for data transmission that is not affected by room layout or equipment placement

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the wireless communication system with a wired power-line communication system to eliminate signal disruption issues. The wired infrastructure provides a stable transmission medium that is not subject to the same environmental interferenc

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

The system enables effective and reliable wireless communication within mechanical rooms with minimal power consumption, reducing the need for additional power sources or skilled labor, and allowing continuous monitoring of backflow prevention systems.

Implementation Method 1

a fluid sensor, coupled to the body portion fitting, in fluid connection with the body portion space

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid sensor detection:

Implementation Method 2

utilizing power-line communication to transmit data efficiently

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPower-line communication:

Data Source

PatentUS12221776B2Wireless communication system within a mechanical room

Publication Date: 2025.02.11 WATTS REGULATOR CO

AI summary

A wireless communication system includes a plurality of sensors and a device. Each sensor is configured to measure data and communicate over a network using low power signal communication. The device is connected to an in-wall power source and configured to wirelessly communicate over the network using low power signal communication. Further, the device is configured to transmit data from the sensors to a remote gateway using high power signal communication.