PoE Smart Home Network for Shades and Lighting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing home automation systems face challenges in efficiently controlling motorized roller shades and lighting due to limitations in network topologies, power distribution, and the need for separate power installations, which lead to high construction costs and inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A hybrid star and linked network with power storage capability at each node, utilizing a daisy-chain and star network topology for motorized roller shades, and a mesh network for lighting, with power-over-Ethernet (PoE) for data and power transmission, allowing for efficient communication and power distribution across the system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate power installations are used for motorized roller shades and lighting, then reliable power supply is achieved, but construction costs increase and installation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines power transmission and data communication into a single Ethernet cable infrastructure using Power over Ethernet (PoE) technology. This merging eliminates the need for separate power installations for motorized roller shades and lighting systems, reducing construction costs and installation complexity while maintaining reliable power supply through the integrated cable system.
Solution Approach 2:
The Ethernet cable infrastructure is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously: it provides both data communication for control signals and power transmission for energizing devices. This multi-functional approach allows the same cable system to support motorized roller shades, lighting, and potentially other smart home devices, reducing overall installation requirements and costs.
2Ease of operation
If traditional network topologies are used for controlling motorized roller shades, then system control is achieved, but power distribution efficiency decreases and installation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges power distribution and data communication into a single PoE-based network, eliminating the need for separate control wiring and power wiring. This integration simplifies the overall system architecture and reduces installation complexity while maintaining full control capability over motorized roller shades through the unified Ethernet infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs dynamic power distribution through PoE switches that can allocate power to different devices as needed. This dynamic approach allows flexible control of motorized roller shades without requiring dedicated power circuits for each device, reducing installation complexity while maintaining system control capability.
3Ease of manufacture
If Power over Ethernet is used for data and power transmission, then construction costs are reduced and installation is simplified, but power distribution capacity must be sufficient for all connected devices
Solution Approach 1:
The PoE network utilizes dynamic power allocation where the central PoE switch monitors and distributes power to connected devices based on their actual requirements. This dynamic power management ensures that the total power distribution capacity is optimized for the specific configuration of motorized roller shades and lighting devices, reducing construction costs while ensuring adequate power supply.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where devices report their power requirements to the PoE switch, which then adjusts power distribution accordingly. This feedback loop ensures that power distribution capacity is matched to actual device needs, reducing unnecessary infrastructure costs while maintaining sufficient power supply for all connected motorized roller shades and lighting devices.
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 efficient control of motorized roller shades and lighting with reduced construction costs, improved power management, and enhanced reliability by integrating power and data transmission over Ethernet cables, facilitating seamless communication and operation within the home automation system.
Implementation Method 1
each of said electronic drive units comprises an elongated motor and a battery, and said battery is configured to provide operating power to said elongated motor
Implementation Method 2
power-over-Ethernet (PoE) for data and power transmission, allowing for efficient communication and power distribution across the system
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 can be connected to the system to facilitate programming.