Pass-through Wall Power Plug with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Relay
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing remote communication devices, such as smart plugs, face challenges in communicating with battery-powered devices like thermostats and door locks due to high power requirements of Wi-Fi radios, leading to rapid battery drain and limited range of Bluetooth technologies, which restricts long-distance communication and requires frequent device pairing.
Innovation Solution
A pass-through wall power plug equipped with both long-range Wi-Fi and short-range Bluetooth/Bluetooth Low Energy radios, along with a microcontroller to translate between protocols, enabling communication with devices both nearby and at distant locations, and featuring additional functionalities like beacon transmission, power control, and data measurement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If Wi-Fi radio is used for long-range communication, then communication range is improved, but power consumption increases causing rapid battery drain
Solution Approach 1:
The communication system is segmented into two distinct radio modules: a Wi-Fi radio for long-range communication and a Bluetooth radio for short-range communication. This segmentation allows the system to select the appropriate communication mode based on distance requirements, thereby optimizing power consumption while maintaining communication capability across different ranges.
Solution Approach 2:
The communication device is designed with multi-functionality by incorporating both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth radios, enabling it to perform both long-range and short-range communication tasks. This universal design allows the device to adapt to different communication scenarios without requiring separate devices, solving the contradiction between range and power consumption by providing multiple communication pathways.
2Use of energy by moving object
If Bluetooth radio is used to reduce power consumption, then power consumption is reduced, but communication range is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The communication system is segmented into two distinct radio modules: a Wi-Fi radio for long-range communication and a Bluetooth radio for short-range communication. This segmentation allows the system to select the appropriate communication mode based on distance requirements, thereby optimizing power consumption while maintaining communication capability across different ranges.
Solution Approach 2:
The communication device is designed with multi-functionality by incorporating both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth radios, enabling it to perform both long-range and short-range communication tasks. This universal design allows the device to adapt to different communication scenarios without requiring separate devices, solving the contradiction between range and power consumption by providing multiple communication pathways.
3Reliability
If Bluetooth pairing is required for each connection, then security is improved, but connection time increases causing delay
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by establishing and maintaining persistent connections through the always-on Wi-Fi interface. When communication is needed, the device can immediately utilize the pre-established connection infrastructure, eliminating the need for time-consuming pairing procedures while maintaining security through the Wi-Fi network's authentication mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The Wi-Fi radio serves as an intermediary that maintains a persistent, pre-authenticated connection to the network. This intermediary connection allows rapid data exchange without requiring repeated pairing, while security is maintained through the Wi-Fi network's existing authentication and encryption protocols.
Data Source
AI summary
A pass through wall power plug is equipped with multiple transceivers for remote communication. The power plug may be equipped with transceivers operative in different modes or protocols. The power plug may function as a bridge between radio devices. It may function as a centralized access point for receiving and/or storing information from and transmitting information multiple connected electronic devices. The power plug may be equipped with a night light, power meter, relay switch, voltage meter, beacon, proximity sensor or other electronic components. The power plug may be made rotatable around its prongs, and may be configured to be stackable within a standard column of electrical outlets.