Optical Interconnect for AC Switch Status Verification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current home automation systems face challenges in remotely controlling AC power devices due to the need for expensive and complex wiring setups, safety regulations prohibiting the connection of low voltage control systems with AC power devices, and the inability to verify the on-off status of appliances without being present, especially with line-of-sight requirements for IR remote controls.
Innovation Solution
The integration of fiber optic or light guide cables with IR control devices to connect AC power relays and dimmers, allowing for two-way communication and status verification, while using triac circuits to handle high current surges and power the control systems from the AC line, eliminating the need for neutral wires and simplifying installations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If two-way communication systems are used to update the system controller with relay status, then the ability to verify on-off status remotely is improved, but the cost and complexity of customizing AC electrical wiring increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary device that couples to the AC electrical wiring system to provide two-way communication between the controller and AC-powered devices. This intermediary handles the complex wiring customization locally, allowing standard wiring to be used while still enabling status verification and remote control capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is segmented into separate functional components: the AC-powered device itself, the intermediary coupling device, and the remote controller. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies installation by avoiding the need to rewire the entire AC electrical system.
2Use of energy by moving object
If AC power devices are directly connected to live AC power lines, then the ability to power control circuits is improved, but compliance with electrical safety laws and regulations becomes difficult to achieve
Solution Approach 1:
An intermediary device is introduced between the live AC power line and the control circuits. This intermediary provides galvanic isolation and voltage transformation, allowing control circuits to be powered from AC lines while maintaining compliance with electrical safety regulations through proper isolation barriers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces direct electrical connection with optical communication using IR LEDs and photodetectors. This substitution allows control signals to be transmitted without direct electrical contact, eliminating safety hazards associated with connecting low-voltage control systems directly to high-voltage AC lines.
3Ease of operation
If IR remote control devices are used for remote operation, then the ability to control appliances remotely is improved, but the requirement for line-of-sight communication prevents verification without being at the appliance site
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements two-way communication where the AC-powered device sends status feedback signals back to the controller through the intermediary device. This feedback mechanism allows the controller to verify the actual on-off status of appliances remotely, eliminating the need for line-of-sight visual verification while maintaining reliable status information.
4Stability of the object's composition
If neutral wires are required for home automation wiring, then the ability to provide stable reference voltage is improved, but the cost and complexity of electrical wiring customization increases
Solution Approach 1:
The intermediary device is designed to derive its own reference voltage and power from the existing AC wiring without requiring a neutral wire connection. The device uses the live and ground wires to generate the necessary voltage references through internal voltage transformation and regulation circuits, making the system compatible with standard two-wire AC circuits.
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 enables reliable remote control and monitoring of AC devices, reduces installation costs, and ensures compliance with safety regulations by using existing wiring, while providing accurate on-off status verification without requiring line-of-sight communication.
Implementation Method 1
connecting a light guide or fiber optic cable between the IR AC switching device and a wired low voltage IR control device
Implementation Method 2
using triac circuits to handle high current surges and power the control systems from the AC line
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for connecting an AC powered device, which has an optical receiver, with a control circuit, which has an optical transmitter, using at least on optical medium cable includes the steps of terminating the cable at both of its ends, introducing the processed cable between the receiver and transmitter, attaching and securing one end of the processed cable to the transmitter and the other end of the processed cable to the receiver, and propagating a one way optical signal including control commands from the control circuit to the powered device.