Intelligent Powerline Modules for Reliable Building Network Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing intelligent systems for homes and buildings face reliability issues due to the limitations of wireless communication, such as signal interference, distance limitations, and signal blocking by walls, which hinder efficient control of environmental conditions like light and heat.
Innovation Solution
The transformation of existing electrical infrastructure into a network backbone using intelligent modules (IMs) that communicate over the powerline, enabling PLC protocols and wireless interfaces to connect devices and sensors, thereby creating a robust communication network for controlling environmental conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If wireless communication is used to connect intelligent system components, then ease of installation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to signal interference, distance limitations, and wall blocking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces powerline communication as an intermediary medium to replace direct wireless communication between devices. The powerline infrastructure acts as a mediator that carries both electrical power and data signals, enabling reliable communication without the limitations of wireless signals such as wall blocking and interference. Devices communicate through the existing electrical wiring system, which serves as a stable physical medium.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the electrical powerline serve multiple functions: delivering electrical power to devices and simultaneously transmitting data signals for communication. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate communication infrastructure, maintaining ease of installation while providing reliable communication through the existing universal power distribution network.
2Productivity
If wireless communication bandwidth is increased to improve communication capacity, then productivity is improved, but harmful factors worsen due to increased signal interference and crowding in the wireless spectrum
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the electromagnetic wave-based wireless communication system with an electrical signal transmission system through powerlines. This substitution moves communication from the crowded radio frequency spectrum to the electrical power distribution infrastructure, eliminating interference with other wireless devices such as cordless phones and WiFi systems while providing high communication capacity.
3Reliability
If powerline communication is implemented to improve reliability, then device complexity increases due to integration of PLC protocols and wireless interfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the powerline communication interface and wireless communication interface within a single communication module. This merging allows the device to utilize both communication paths seamlessly, maintaining reliability through powerline communication while preserving wireless connectivity for applications requiring mobility or external communication, thereby managing complexity through integration rather than separation.
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 provides a reliable and extensive communication network that overcomes the limitations of wireless communication, allowing for efficient control of environmental conditions and enabling applications like smart lighting, energy efficiency, and security systems without the need for rewiring.
Implementation Method 1
a powerline communication module for transmitting and receiving information over the powerline
Data Source
AI summary
A system comprising: a host device comprising at least, an electrical interface configured for connection to a powerline; a first releasable interface; a powerline communication module for transmitting and receiving information over the powerline; an intelligent module comprising at least, a second releasable interface interconnected to the first releasable interface; a digital processor; memory operatively connected to the processor and configured with instructions for causing the processor to receive and transmit information over the powerline through the powerline communication module.