Power-Line Communications for Security System Wireless Transceivers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional security systems face challenges in installation and operation due to compromised wireless reception in concealed locations and susceptibility to electrical outages, requiring costly cable runs and potential damage to structures, as well as failure in alerting emergency services during power outages.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of power-line communications (PLC) between the alarm controller and wireless transceiver, allowing remote installation of the transceiver for optimal reception and using bi-modal modems with backup batteries to maintain communication during outages, enabling the security system to operate independently of electrical power.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the wireless transceiver is installed in a concealed location for security, then security is improved, but wireless reception is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesecurityVSAvoidwireless reception

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

A PLC modem is introduced as an intermediary device that converts wireless communications into power-line communications. The modem connects to the wireless transceiver and communicates with the alarm controller through electrical wiring, allowing the transceiver to remain in concealed locations while maintaining communication capability through the intermediary PLC technology.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If cable runs are installed to connect alarm controller and transceiver, then communication reliability is improved, but installation complexity and structural damage increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication reliabilityVSAvoidinstallation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical cable running system with an electrical field-based communication system. Instead of physically connecting devices through cables that require drilling and structural modifications, the system uses power-line communications to transmit data signals through existing electrical wiring, eliminating the need for mechanical installation of communication cables.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If the security system operates on electrical power, then operational reliability is improved, but the system becomes inoperable during electrical outages

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational reliabilityVSAvoidoperation during outages

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The alarm controller is designed with multi-functionality to operate in two distinct modes: powered mode when electrical power is available and battery mode during power outages. The controller automatically switches between power sources and communication methods (PLC when powered, radio frequency when on battery), making the system adaptable to different operational conditions without requiring separate systems for each scenario.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Ease of manufacture

If power-line communications are used for data transmission, then installation simplicity is improved, but communication during power outages becomes problematic

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation simplicityVSAvoidcommunication during outages

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The communication system is designed to be dynamic and adaptive, automatically switching between power-line communications and radio frequency communications based on power availability. When electrical power is present, PLC is used for communication; when power fails and the system operates on battery, it transitions to radio frequency communication, ensuring continuous operational reliability through dynamic adaptation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 simplifies installation, improves wireless reception, and ensures continuous operation during electrical outages, maintaining safety and security functions as per UL 985 standards by using existing electrical wiring for communication and backup power.

Implementation Method 1

Data and alternating current electrical power are received using an interface for power-line communications

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPower-line communications:

Implementation Method 2

When the power failure is detected, an electrical connection is made to an internal backup battery for direct current battery power

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBattery (electricity): Battery (electricity)

Data Source

PatentUS9495865B2Power-line communications

Publication Date: 2016.11.15 AT&T INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY I L P

AI summary

Methods, systems, and products bridge wireless data transmissions with power-line communications. Should a failure occur in alternating current power, a backup battery maintains the power-line communications. Direct current battery power is used to power a wireless transceiver, thus maintaining both wireless data transmissions and communication during power failures.