Wireless Load Scheduling Using Network Time Instead of Backup Batteries
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing home automation systems require battery backups to maintain time and date information, which are costly, difficult to replace, and eventually run out, causing controllers to fail in executing timeclock schedules.
Innovation Solution
A wireless load control system that obtains the present time from a server via a network, allowing it to control electrical loads according to a timeclock schedule without a battery backup, and includes a battery backup device that switches to battery power during outages to maintain functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a battery backup is used to maintain time and date information, then the controller can execute timeclock schedules during power outages, but the system becomes costly, difficult to maintain, and the battery will eventually run out
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the timekeeping function from the local controller by obtaining time information from an external server via network communication. This removes the need for battery backup systems while maintaining the ability to execute timeclock schedules, as the controller can continuously synchronize time with the external server when powered on.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller is designed to perform multiple functions: it can obtain time from an external server when available, and also execute timeclock schedules when powered on. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated battery backup hardware while maintaining schedule execution capability.
2Reliability
If a battery backup is installed to maintain time information, then the controller can operate during power outages, but the system becomes costly and difficult to replace
Solution Approach 1:
The timekeeping function is extracted from local battery-dependent storage and relocated to an external network server. The controller obtains time information via network communication, eliminating the need for battery backup hardware and associated costs for installation, replacement, and maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
An external server acts as an intermediary to provide time information to the controller via network communication. This intermediary solution replaces the need for local battery backup systems, reducing both hardware costs and maintenance requirements while ensuring accurate timekeeping.
3Extent of automation
If the controller stores timeclock schedules in memory, then it can execute schedules autonomously, but it requires battery backup to maintain time and date information during power loss
Solution Approach 1:
The time reference is extracted from local memory that requires battery backup and relocated to an external network server. The controller maintains autonomous schedule execution by continuously obtaining accurate time information from the server via network communication, eliminating the need for battery backup while preserving automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller performs preliminary actions by obtaining time information from the external server before executing timeclock schedules. This ensures accurate timekeeping is established in advance, allowing autonomous schedule execution without requiring battery backup to maintain time information during power outages.
Data Source
AI summary
A wireless load control system for controlling one or more electrical loads comprises a wireless control device (e.g., a gateway device) able to obtain a present time from a server via a network (e.g., the Internet), control the electrical loads according to a timeclock schedule, and disable the timeclock schedule if the present time is not able to be obtained from the server via the network. The wireless control device may also be able to obtain the present time from a digital message received from an external device (e.g., a smart phone or a tablet device) via the network. The wireless control device may be configured to receive a control signal indicating a power outage (e.g., from a battery backup device), and to operate in a low-power mode in response to receiving the control signal indicating the power outage.