PoE Shade Control Network With Battery Backup for Reliable Lighting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing home automation systems for controlling motorized shades and lighting lack efficient network designs that can effectively manage power distribution and scalability, leading to limitations such as single points of failure, high construction costs, and inefficiencies in power transfer.
Innovation Solution
A hybrid star and linked network with power storage capability at each node, utilizing Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) cables for both data and power transmission, and incorporating electronic drive units with battery backup and relay switch networks to manage power distribution and recharging, allowing for efficient control of motorized roller shades and dimmable lighting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional centralized control system is used to control motorized shades and lighting, then control functionality is achieved, but the system has single points of failure and high construction costs
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the home automation network into multiple distributed nodes, each capable of independent operation. Instead of a single centralized controller, multiple control nodes are distributed throughout the system, allowing the network to segment and continue functioning even if one node fails. This segmentation eliminates single points of failure while maintaining control functionality across the entire system.
2Loss of energy
If power is transmitted through a single central cable in bus topology, then installation is simple, but power transfer efficiency decreases and the cable becomes a single point of failure
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a one-dimensional bus topology where all power flows through a single cable to a two-dimensional mesh network where power can flow through multiple paths. This dimensional change allows power to be distributed through redundant routes, improving transfer efficiency by avoiding overloaded single cables while maintaining installation feasibility through standardized connectors.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a mesh network topology is implemented for shade control, then reliability and scalability are improved, but construction costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs universal multi-functional nodes that can serve multiple purposes: power distribution, data communication, and device control. Each node is designed to perform all these functions through integrated circuitry and standardized interfaces, eliminating the need for separate dedicated components for each function. This multi-functionality reduces overall construction costs while maintaining the scalability and reliability benefits of mesh topology.
4Device complexity
If Power-over-Ethernet cables are used for both data and power transmission, then system complexity is reduced, but power distribution efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces local power management intermediaries at each node that regulate and optimize power distribution. These intermediary components monitor power consumption and dynamically adjust distribution levels, ensuring efficient power delivery through the PoE cables while maintaining low system complexity. The intermediaries compensate for the inherent power loss limitations of PoE by intelligent local management.
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 provides a scalable and reliable home automation system that reduces construction costs, minimizes power inefficiencies, and ensures continuous operation by distributing power efficiently and storing it locally at each node, enhancing the overall control and management of motorized shades and lighting systems.
Implementation Method 1
The motorized roller shade further includes a battery configured to provide operating power to the motor
Implementation Method 2
transferring power to a first set of the one or more devices via a power-over-Ethernet (PoE) cable
Data Source
AI summary
A control system is disclosed that includes a room controller transmitting signals to both a shade control network and a light control network, directing that motorized roller shades and dimmable lights be set to desired intensity levels. The control system further includes an intelligent hub that provides a trickle-charge re-charge current via power-over-Ethernet cables to batteries associated with each of the motorized roller shades for re-charging the batteries, thereby eliminating power supplies being installed within walls. The intelligent hub provides for communication with the room controller based on streaming protocol and with the shade control network based on event-based protocol. A computer running user interface software may be connected to the system to facilitate programming.