Network Communication Module Powerline Data Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing intelligent systems for homes and buildings face reliability issues due to the limitations of wireless communication, such as signal dropouts, interference, and distance limitations, making it challenging to install and maintain efficient control over environmental conditions like light and heat.
Innovation Solution
Transforming existing electrical powerlines into a communication backbone using powerline communication (PLC) protocols and modular devices like the Intelligent Module (IM) and Network Communication Module (NCM), which convert outlets into network nodes for data transmission among devices connected to the powerline, enabling reliable and efficient control of environmental conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If wireless communication is used to connect system components, then ease of installation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to signal dropouts, interference, and distance limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses existing electrical wiring infrastructure as an intermediary medium to transmit data signals between intelligent system components. Instead of direct wireless communication between devices, the electrical wiring acts as a mediator that carries modulated power signals, combining the ease of installation with improved reliability by utilizing the established wired infrastructure already present in buildings.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges power transmission and data communication functions into a single electrical wiring infrastructure. By modulating data signals onto the power lines carrying electrical energy, the system combines two separate functions (power delivery and data transmission) through one medium, eliminating the need for separate communication wiring while maintaining reliable connectivity.
2Reliability
If wireless communication bandwidth is increased to reduce interference, then communication reliability improves, but device complexity increases due to spectrum management requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical wiring infrastructure serves as an intermediary that eliminates the need for complex wireless spectrum management. By transitioning from wireless to wired communication through the power lines, the system avoids frequency allocation, interference coordination, and bandwidth management complexities while achieving reliable data transmission.
3Reliability
If existing electrical powerlines are transformed into communication backbone, then reliability improves by reducing wireless limitations, but device complexity increases due to PLC protocol implementation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes existing electrical outlets and wiring universally functional for both power delivery and data communication. By integrating PLC capabilities into standard electrical infrastructure, the system enables multiple functions (power supply and network communication) through the same physical medium, reducing the need for additional dedicated communication wiring and simplifying overall system deployment.
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
This solution provides a robust and reliable network for controlling environmental conditions by leveraging the extensive infrastructure of electrical powerlines, reducing interference and distance limitations, and allowing for efficient communication and control of devices like lighting and HVAC systems.
Implementation Method 1
transforming existing electrical powerlines into a communication backbone using powerline communication (PLC) protocols
Data Source
AI summary
A network communication module (NCM), comprising: (a) a housing configured to connect to an outlet containing power wiring; (b) a PLC interface in said housing and electrically connected to said power wiring; (c) a legacy control interface configured for electrical connection with one or more downstream devices; (d) a microprocessor and memory configured for causing said microprocessor to perform at least the following steps: communicate over the powerline via PLC to at least receive control signals or transmit data related to said one or more downstream devices, and communicate with said one or more downstream devices via said legacy control interface to transmit control signals or receive said data from one or more said downstream devices.