Outdoor Light Fixture Wireless Extender

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wireless security systems face limitations in range extension, as users must be within a certain distance of a wireless access point to connect, and current range extenders are bulky and unsightly, making them difficult to conceal.

Innovation Solution

A wireless security system featuring outdoor devices that act as repeaters or extenders, such as integrated outdoor light fixtures with wireless transceivers and antennas, which can extend Wi-Fi coverage beyond the original range, providing network access to peripheral devices and reducing power consumption in battery-powered devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If a wireless extender is used to increase wireless range and coverage, then the wireless coverage area is improved, but the device becomes bulky and unsightly, making it difficult to conceal

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewireless coverage areaVSAvoiddevice form factor

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the wireless extender functionality with an outdoor light fixture, merging two separate devices (wireless extender and outdoor lighting) into a single integrated unit. This allows the wireless coverage extension function to be housed within an aesthetically pleasing outdoor light fixture rather than a bulky standalone extender device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The outdoor light fixture serves multiple functions: it provides outdoor illumination, acts as a wireless signal extender/repeater, and can potentially serve as a security device. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate wireless extender equipment, resolving the contradiction between coverage area and device appearance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Area of stationary object

If a wireless extender is used to extend network range, then devices can connect beyond original range, but the extender must be located within range of the access point and plugged into an electrical outlet inside the home

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewireless coverage areaVSAvoidinstallation flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

By merging the wireless extender with an outdoor light fixture that is already positioned outside the home, the system eliminates the constraint of needing to place the extender inside near an electrical outlet. The outdoor light fixture's existing outdoor positioning and power supply capability enable wireless coverage extension in locations previously inaccessible to traditional extenders.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The outdoor light fixture acts as an intermediary device that receives power from outdoor electrical sources and retransmits wireless signals from the indoor access point to outdoor areas, mediating between the indoor network infrastructure and outdoor coverage needs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If battery-powered devices transmit signals directly to the wireless access point over long distances, then network access is maintained, but electrical power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork accessVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The outdoor light fixture serving as a wireless repeater acts as an intermediary node in the communication path. Battery-powered devices transmit signals to the outdoor light fixture rather than directly to the distant indoor access point, reducing transmission distance and power consumption while maintaining network access reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system replaces the direct long-range wireless transmission mechanism with a two-hop transmission through the outdoor light fixture intermediary, substituting a high-power direct link with lower-power short-range links that consume less battery energy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

The solution effectively increases wireless coverage outdoors, allowing devices to maintain network access beyond the original range, reduces power consumption, and integrates security features like cameras and intercoms within the light fixtures, enhancing both connectivity and security.

Implementation Method 1

a master wireless transceiver configured and located to receive the first wireless signal from the wireless access point and to re-transmit the first wireless signal beyond the predetermined transmission range

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectWireless signal transmission and reception: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS11438990B2Wireless layered security system

Publication Date: 2022.09.06 HAMPTON PRODUCTS INTERNATIONAL CORP

AI summary

A security system for use with a wireless access point that is configured to transmit a first wireless signal within a predetermined transmission range includes an outdoor lighting fixture including a master wireless transceiver configured and located to receive the first wireless signal from the wireless access point and to re-transmit the first wireless signal beyond the predetermined transmission range; and a first peripheral device located and configured to receive the first wireless signal re-transmitted from the master wireless transceiver, and to transmit a second wireless signal to at least one of (a) the wireless access point via the master wireless transceiver, and (b) a second peripheral device.