PoE Battery Hub Charging for Low-Duty Networked Devices

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing window shade systems face challenges in efficiently utilizing power-over-ethernet (POE) networks to power both continuous and low duty cycle devices, as the available power is often insufficient for multiple motors due to varying load requirements, leading to reduced motor lifecycle and increased labor for battery replacement or recharging.

Innovation Solution

A system comprising a POE network switch, intelligent power distribution hub (IPDHG), and rechargeable batteries that manage power distribution and charging, optimizing power usage by charging low duty cycle devices during off-peak times and using batteries to supplement power delivery, allowing for more devices per port and reducing the need for frequent battery replacements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If POE is used to power multiple motors on a single port, then the number of devices per port increases, but the available power becomes insufficient due to varying load requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of devices per portVSAvoidavailable power
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary charging of batteries during off-peak times when power demand is low. The POE network switch charges batteries in advance so that when devices need power, the batteries are already charged and can supply the required power without exceeding the POE port's power capacity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

Batteries serve as an intermediary energy storage medium between the POE power source and the motors. The batteries receive power from the POE network during charging periods and then supply power to the motors during operation, decoupling the instantaneous power demand from the available POE power capacity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If batteries are used to power low duty cycle devices, then the devices can operate independently of continuous power supply, but the battery lifecycle is reduced to match the motor lifecycle

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveindependent operation capabilityVSAvoidbattery lifecycle
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary charging of batteries during off-peak times when power demand is low. The POE network switch charges batteries in advance so that when devices need power, the batteries are already charged and can supply the required power without exceeding the POE port's power capacity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system automatically manages battery charging and power distribution without requiring manual intervention. The POE network switch and IPDHG intelligently control when devices are charged and when power is delivered, optimizing battery usage and extending their operational lifespan.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If batteries are recharged frequently to maintain operation, then continuous operation is maintained, but labor for battery replacement or recharging increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontinuous operationVSAvoidlabor for battery replacement
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary charging of batteries during off-peak times when power demand is low. The POE network switch charges batteries in advance so that when devices need power, the batteries are already charged and can supply the required power without exceeding the POE port's power capacity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system automatically manages battery charging and power distribution without requiring manual intervention. The POE network switch and IPDHG intelligently control when devices are charged and when power is delivered, optimizing battery usage and extending their operational lifespan.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

4Power

If peak power is delivered to low duty cycle devices, then the devices can operate at full capacity during use, but the average power requirements remain low creating waste

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepeak power deliveryVSAvoidaverage power consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary charging of batteries during off-peak times when power demand is low. The POE network switch charges batteries in advance so that when devices need power, the batteries are already charged and can supply the required power without exceeding the POE port's power capacity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system maintains continuous operation by storing energy in batteries during low-demand periods and releasing it during high-demand periods. This ensures that devices can operate continuously without interruption while the power source only needs to provide power during off-peak times, optimizing energy utilization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

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 system enhances power delivery capacity, reduces energy costs by optimizing power usage, and extends the lifecycle of low duty cycle devices by managing power distribution efficiently, enabling more devices to be powered from a single port while minimizing labor and maintenance.

Implementation Method 1

a rechargeable battery configured to be recharged by the POE network switch; and one or more low duty cycle devices configured to communicate with the IPDHG, wherein the one or more low duty cycle devices are charged by the rechargeable battery

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical energy storage: Battery (electricity)

Implementation Method 2

POE is a low voltage networking protocol and power solution. More specifically, POE represents both a low voltage networking communication means, and also a power connection over the same cable

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentUS12526170B2Re-charging networked devices
Publication Date: 2026.01.13 MECHOSHADE SYSTEMS LLC
  • US12526170B2 patent drawing
  • US12526170B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A system comprises a power-over-ethernet (POE) network switch; an intelligent power distribution hub and gateway (IPDHG) configured to communicate with the POE network switch; a rechargeable battery configured to be recharged by the POE network switch; and one or more low duty cycle devices configured to communicate with the IPDHG, wherein the one or more low duty cycle devices are charged by the rechargeable battery.