Power Receptacle Wireless AP Adapter for Smart Home Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current smart home automation systems are limited in their ability to integrate multiple components and require extensive wiring and infrastructure modifications, making them costly and difficult to install, with existing solutions often relying on third-party services that incur high expenses and subscription fees.
Innovation Solution
The development of devices such as smart outlets, switches, and adapters that form a wireless network, allowing for the creation of a 'smart' habitable space with sensors and controllers that can operate independently or in combination, integrating with a digital hub for centralized control and processing of data streams from various sensors, and enabling wireless connectivity through power line communication without additional cabling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If traditional smart home automation systems are implemented with centralized control and multiple sensors, then automation capability is improved, but device complexity and installation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the smart home system into independent modular units (outlets, switches, sensors) that can function autonomously or in coordination. Each device is a self-contained module with its own processing capability, eliminating the need for complex centralized wiring and control infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates universal smart home devices that can perform multiple functions - outlets can provide power, wireless connectivity, and sensor data collection; switches can control lighting and provide automation triggers. This multi-functionality reduces the total number of devices needed and simplifies system architecture.
2Reliability
If third-party service providers are used for smart home installation and maintenance, then system reliability is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables smart home devices to be easily installed and configured by end-users without requiring professional technicians. The devices feature plug-and-play functionality, intuitive setup processes, and self-diagnostic capabilities that allow users to install and maintain the system themselves, eliminating service provider fees.
3Ease of operation
If extensive wiring and infrastructure modifications are performed for smart home installation, then network connectivity and control capability are improved, but ease of installation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces physical wiring infrastructure with wireless communication technology. Smart devices communicate with each other and with user devices through wireless protocols, eliminating the need for complex electrical wiring, cable routing, and infrastructure modifications required by traditional automation systems.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple specialized automation systems are deployed for different appliances, then functional capability is improved, but system integration and interoperability worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple automation functions into a unified system where outlets, switches, and sensors can work together through a common communication protocol. This allows different device types to interoperate seamlessly, providing comprehensive automation capability without requiring separate specialized systems for each appliance or function.
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
Enables a comprehensive smart home network that integrates multiple sensors and appliances, providing advanced automation capabilities, energy efficiency, and remote monitoring without the need for extensive wiring or third-party services, reducing installation costs and enhancing user control and convenience.
Implementation Method 1
a power line communication (PLC) circuit, the PLC circuit configured to receive data from and transmit data on a power line connected to the wall power input
Data Source
AI summary
Integrated power receptacle wireless access point (AP) adapter devices for adapting a power-over-Ethernet (PoE) wall outlet into an access point. Described herein are scalable, dedicated adapters that may be used to adapt an Ethernet wall jack (PoE or non-PoE) into an access point, gigabit switch and PoE power source. These apparatuses may interface with an Ethernet wall jack connected to a network, converting the Ethernet wall jack to an access point and also include a plurality of additional Ethernet connections, including at least one power-over-Ethernet connection.