Multi-Mode Doorbell Switching for Low-Power Chime Operation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Modern smart doorbells with advanced features like two-way communication may not be desired or feasible in situations where basic chime functionality is sufficient, such as in multi-unit dwellings or during construction, leading to unnecessary power consumption and inspection challenges.
Innovation Solution
A doorbell system that operates in multiple modes, including a vacancy mode for basic chime functionality and an AP mode for advanced features, allowing manual or automatic transitions between these modes, and includes a communications chip for wireless connectivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If smart doorbells with advanced features (two-way communication, cameras, microphones) are installed, then remote communication and monitoring capabilities are improved, but power consumption increases and inspection becomes more challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The doorbell system dynamically switches between two operational modes: AP mode (with full smart features including two-way communication, cameras, and microphones) and vacancy mode (basic chime functionality only). This dynamic adaptation allows the system to optimize power consumption by disabling advanced features when they are not needed, while still providing them when required, thus resolving the contradiction between versatility and energy usage
2Adaptability or versatility
If smart doorbells with advanced features are installed, then remote communication capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The doorbell system is segmented into two distinct operational modes with different functional sets. The AP mode includes advanced smart features (camera, microphone, speaker, two-way communication), while the vacancy mode includes only basic chime functionality. This segmentation allows the system to reduce complexity by activating only the necessary subset of features for the current operational context, rather than always maintaining full smart functionality
3Adaptability or versatility
If doorbells are configured for advanced smart features, then remote monitoring capability is improved, but ease of manufacture and installation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides dynamic configuration options that allow installers to select between AP mode (with remote monitoring capabilities requiring wireless communication setup) and vacancy mode (basic wired chime functionality). This dynamic approach simplifies installation by allowing installers to choose the simpler vacancy mode when advanced features are not needed, while still enabling remote monitoring capability when required, thus resolving the contradiction between adaptability and ease of manufacture
Data Source
AI summary
Included in the present disclosure is a system, including a chime. In some embodiments, the system includes a doorbell electrically coupled to the chime and configured to communicatively couple to a remote computing device, the doorbell spaced apart from the chime, and the doorbell comprising a vacancy mode and an access point (AP) mode. According to some embodiments, when the doorbell is in the vacancy mode, the doorbell is communicatively isolated from the remote computing device such that the doorbell is configured to send an alert by emitting a noise via the chime. When the doorbell is in the AP mode, the doorbell may be communicatively coupled to the remote computing device such that the doorbell is configured to send an alert to the remote computing device.