Network Power Control Module for Remote Device Management

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing remote control systems for home and office electronic devices are limited by short transmission distances, complex setup requirements, and lack of universal compatibility, leading to reduced user convenience and satisfaction.

Innovation Solution

A network power control module comprising a switch, power supply, and processor with communication capabilities, allowing remote control and monitoring of electronic devices via a router, supporting multiple interfaces and wireless networking to facilitate centralized management across various devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a dedicated remote control or universal remote control device is used, then wireless transmission control is achieved, but the transmission distance is limited and setup is complicated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveremote control operationVSAvoidsetup complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a network controller as an intermediary device that connects electronic appliances to the network through a router. This mediator handles all communication and control functions, allowing users to control appliances remotely via mobile phones or other terminals without complex setup. The network controller translates control signals and manages device registration automatically, simplifying the user experience while enabling unlimited transmission distance through network infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional infrared or radio frequency remote control mechanisms with network-based communication. Instead of line-of-sight mechanical or electromagnetic wave transmission, the system uses IP networking protocols to transmit control signals through the router, enabling remote control without distance limitations and without requiring complex pairing procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If information appliances with built-in controllers are used, then remote control via network is achieved, but each device requires separate control programs and pre-installation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveremote control capabilityVSAvoidprogram installation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent consolidates control functionality into a single network controller that can manage multiple electronic appliances of different types and manufacturers. Instead of requiring separate control programs for each device, the network controller provides a unified interface that adapts to different devices automatically. This merging approach simplifies the system architecture and user experience while maintaining versatility across diverse appliance types.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The network controller is designed as a universal device capable of controlling various types of electronic appliances (televisions, air conditioners, stereos, etc.) from different manufacturers. It provides multi-functional control through a single interface, eliminating the need for device-specific control programs and pre-installation procedures, thereby achieving both adaptability and simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If multiple control programs for different device models are provided, then specific device control is achieved, but user willingness to use is reduced due to complicated pre-installation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice control accuracyVSAvoidpre-installation operation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The network controller implements automatic device discovery and registration functionality. When an electronic appliance is connected to the network, the controller automatically detects it, retrieves its model information, and configures the appropriate control parameters without requiring user intervention. This self-service approach maintains reliable device-specific control while eliminating complicated pre-installation operations, thereby improving ease of use.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

4Reliability

If remote control systems are implemented, then home security and convenience are improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehome securityVSAvoidsystem structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the complexity of control logic, communication protocols, and device management functions from the user-facing system and concentrates them in the network controller. This extraction allows the user side (mobile phones, terminals) to remain simple while the controller handles all complex operations including device registration, signal translation, and control execution, thereby maintaining home security and convenience without increasing perceived system complexity for users.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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 secure, convenient, and comfortable remote control and monitoring of electronic devices, improving user experience by providing a scalable and adaptive solution for managing multiple devices with a single module.

Implementation Method 1

the power supply is electrically coupled to the first external power supply for converting the AC voltage of the first external power supply into a DC operating voltage

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAC to DC conversion:

Implementation Method 2

the processor comprises a communication module, for automatically connecting to the router via a wireless network or Ethernet

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectWireless transmission:

Data Source

PatentUS9444893B2Network power control module
Publication Date: 2016.09.13 WU LAI FU
  • US9444893B2 patent drawing
  • US9444893B2 patent drawing
  • US9444893B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A network power control module includes a switch and a processor installed in at least one electronic device within an area. The switch is electrically coupled to a first external power supply and the electronic device, and the processor includes a communication module in electrical communication with a control device at a remote end via a router of the area for receiving a control signal and then switching the switch to output or stop outputting voltage of the first external power supply to the electronic device, so that users can control the electronic devices at a remote control freely without requiring complicated network configurations to facilitate the schedule management for household affairs and improve the users' comfortability and home security effectively.