Modular Home Automation Device for Standard Electrical Box Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current home automation solutions require significant modifications to existing electrical systems, are limited in functionality, and often necessitate specialist installation, making them costly and time-consuming to implement, while also not being compatible with existing electrical infrastructure and standards.
Innovation Solution
A multifunctional home automation device designed to fit within a standard electrical box, featuring a modular structure with a transformer/power supply, voltage modulator, electronic processor, wireless/ wired communication, and non-volatile memory, allowing for local and remote control, data detection, and communication with other systems, while being compatible with various national and international electrical standards.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If home automation solutions are implemented using current available technologies, then automation functionality is achieved, but significant modifications to existing electrical systems are required, new wiring is needed, and specialist personnel intervention is necessary, resulting in increased implementation time and costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary device that connects to the existing electrical system through standard protocols without requiring complex modifications. This intermediary acts as a bridge between the legacy electrical infrastructure and modern automation requirements, enabling automation functionality while preserving the existing system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is designed with multi-functionality to perform various automation tasks (monitoring, control, communication) through a single unified platform. This universal approach eliminates the need for multiple specialized devices and complex wiring configurations, reducing implementation complexity while maintaining comprehensive automation capabilities.
2Extent of automation
If existing electrical components are replaced to achieve home automation, then automation capabilities are improved, but compatibility with existing electrical boxes, frames, and plates is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of adapting the electrical infrastructure to accommodate automation devices, the invention inverts the approach by designing the automation device to adapt to existing electrical box dimensions and mounting standards. This allows seamless integration into conventional electrical infrastructure without requiring infrastructure modifications.
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates adjustable parameters including dimensional variations to fit different electrical box sizes, mounting configuration options for various frame types, and electrical parameter adaptability to work with existing wiring standards. This parametric flexibility ensures broad compatibility across different installation environments.
3Reliability
If specialized personnel are involved in home automation installation, then system reliability is improved, but installation time and costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates self-configuration and self-diagnostic capabilities that enable unqualified personnel to perform installations. The system automatically detects wiring configurations, configures communication parameters, and guides users through setup procedures, eliminating the need for specialized installation knowledge while maintaining installation reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The device includes pre-configured communication protocols, pre-programmed safety features, and pre-established connection methods that are prepared in advance. This preliminary preparation eliminates complex on-site configuration tasks, allowing rapid installation by non-specialists without compromising system reliability.
4Extent of automation
If all electrical components are replaced to implement home automation, then automation functionality is achieved, but the cost and complexity of the project increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts only the essential automation functions from a complete system replacement approach. By implementing a standalone device that interfaces with existing components rather than replacing them, the solution achieves core automation functionality while minimizing the quantity of components that need to be procured and installed.
Solution Approach 2:
The device merges multiple functions (power management, data processing, communication, control) into a single integrated unit that interfaces with existing electrical components. This consolidation eliminates the need for multiple separate replacement components, reducing both the quantity of materials required and the overall project complexity.
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 integration of advanced home automation features with minimal impact on existing electrical systems, allowing unqualified personnel to install and maintain the device, providing extended functionality, energy savings, and remote monitoring without requiring extensive rewiring or replacement of electrical components.
Implementation Method 1
a transformer/power supply for generating a low voltage to supply the other components
Implementation Method 2
a voltage modulator with electronic regulators of the electric power generated
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
A multifunctional home automation device with a modular structure is described, adapted to be inserted as an element in an electrical box, containing the following electrical and electronic components: a transformer/power supply (11) for generating a low voltage (Vcc) to supply the other components, a voltage modulator (12) with electronic controllers of the electric power generated, an electronic processor (14) for the management and control of the functions of the home automation device, a Wireless and/or Wired communication system (13) for bidirectional communication with the outside, a non-volatile memory (15) to save information that allows the proper functioning of the home automation device, even in case of power failure, the enclosure of the device having the size of a single "electric element" and being constructed to have outer shapes compatible with frames and plates of the existing electrical boxes based on the different national or international standards.