Power Switch Control Module With Auxiliary Reconnection Power
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Solution Overview
Problem
Smart home systems can experience a deadlock situation when a control module powers itself off, preventing it from performing control operations due to disconnection from mains power, which is necessary for reconnection.
Innovation Solution
A control module with a processor that determines the power source and operational state of connected wireless network devices, evaluates conditions to cease power provision when devices do not require power, and establishes an auxiliary power path from an energy storage element to maintain operational capability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the control module powers off to save energy, then energy consumption is reduced, but the control module loses the ability to perform control operations including reconnection
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply system is segmented into two independent paths: the primary power path through the power switching element and the secondary power path through the energy storage element. This segmentation allows the control module to receive power from different sources independently, enabling it to maintain control capability while managing energy consumption effectively.
Solution Approach 2:
The energy storage element acts as an intermediary between the power switching element and the control module. It stores energy when available and releases it when the control module needs to perform control operations, thereby mediating the power supply to ensure continuous operational capability without constant mains power connection.
2Loss of energy
If the control module disconnects from mains power, then energy saving is achieved, but reconnection becomes impossible without external intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The energy storage element is pre-charged during periods when mains power is available. This preliminary action of storing energy enables the control module to autonomously reconnect to mains power without external intervention, as the stored energy sustains the control functionality needed for reconnection operations.
3Reliability
If the control module remains powered on continuously, then control operations can always be performed, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply configuration is made dynamic rather than static. The system can switch between different power paths (primary through power switching element, secondary through energy storage element) based on operational needs. This dynamic adaptability allows the control module to maintain reliability when needed while reducing energy consumption during idle periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The power supply parameters are changed based on operational state. The system transitions between different power delivery modes: full power from mains when control operations are needed, reduced power or standby mode when operations are complete, utilizing the energy storage element to bridge these states efficiently.
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
Prevents deadlock situations by ensuring the control module can continue to perform control operations even when primary power is disconnected, using an auxiliary power path from energy storage elements like capacitors or batteries to sustain functionality.
Implementation Method 1
establishes an auxiliary power path from an energy storage element to maintain operational capability
Implementation Method 2
using an auxiliary power path from energy storage elements like capacitors or batteries to sustain functionality
Data Source
AI summary
A control module (120,120a-b) for controlling a plurality of power switching elements (111a-d) arranged for controlling provision of power to one or more wireless network devices (125a-c); wherein the control module (120,120a-b) comprises a processor (122) arranged for: determining which one of the plurality of power switching elements (111a-d) the control module (120,120a-b) receives power through; determining a set of the plurality of wireless network devices (125a-c) which receives power via a first power switching element out of the plurality of power switching elements (111a-d); determining that the set includes all the wireless network devices which receive power via the first power switching element; determining operational state of each of the wireless network devices in the set; determining whether the control module (120,120a-b) receives power via the first power switching element; evaluating a first set of conditions; wherein the first set of conditions comprises that the control module (120,120a-b) does not receive power via the first power switching element and the determined operational state indicates that each of the wireless network devices in the set does not require power, controlling, based on a positive result of the evaluation of the first set of conditions, the first power switching element to cease power provision to the set of wireless network devices.