Battery-Free RF Switch Controller Harvesting Energy from Wiring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing garage door and barrier control systems require frequent battery replacements, are costly to install and maintain, and lack versatility to work with various parent systems, posing environmental and economic concerns.
Innovation Solution
A battery-free wireless radio frequency switch controller that harvests energy from existing wiring, allowing for easy retrofitting to any system without manual labor or tools, using a contact penetrating clip to establish an electrical connection and a processor for wireless communication and logging capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a battery-operated remote radio frequency controller is used to control garage door barriers, then wireless control functionality is achieved, but the power source depletes requiring frequent replacement which increases cost and environmental harm
Solution Approach 1:
The controller harvests energy from the existing low-voltage wiring of the parent system to power itself, eliminating the need for external batteries. The system serves its own power needs by drawing minimal energy from the wiring it is installed on, making it self-sustaining and removing the requirement for battery replacement.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a universal opening mechanism with receiver and transmitter is installed to control barriers, then control capability is provided, but installation requires undue labor, tools, and proximity to the mechanism which increases complexity and cost
Solution Approach 1:
The controller combines multiple functions into a single integrated device: it includes both the receiver and transmitter capabilities in one unit, and integrates the power harvesting function directly into the control mechanism. This eliminates the need for separate components and reduces installation steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller installs itself by harvesting power from the existing wiring during the installation process, eliminating the need for external power sources or complex wiring modifications. The device can be installed in various locations without requiring proximity to power outlets or complex electrical work.
3Ease of operation
If battery-operated controllers are used for garage door systems, then wireless operation is enabled, but the cost of battery purchase and replacement increases economic expenditure
Solution Approach 1:
The controller eliminates the need for external batteries by harvesting energy from the existing low-voltage wiring of the parent system. It draws sufficient power during normal operation to sustain its wireless transmission and reception functions indefinitely without additional battery purchases.
4Adaptability or versatility
If traditional receiver and transmitter systems are installed to work with various parent systems, then versatility is achieved, but the installation and maintenance require service contractors which increases cost
Solution Approach 1:
The controller is designed to work with multiple types of parent systems including garage door openers, thermostats, security systems, and various detectors. It features universal compatibility through adjustable voltage ranges and multiple mounting options, allowing a single device to replace multiple system-specific controllers.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller can be installed and configured by the end-user without requiring service contractors. It features plug-and-play installation, automatic system detection, and wireless configuration capabilities that eliminate the need for professional installation and ongoing maintenance services.
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
The solution eliminates the need for battery replacements, reduces installation costs and labor, and enables seamless integration with various systems, providing cost-effective, environmentally friendly, and automated control with enhanced monitoring features.
Implementation Method 1
the present invention and its embodiments requires no battery as it harvests energy from existing wiring in the parent system
Data Source
AI summary
A wireless radio frequency switch controller may be capable of being retrofit on to any existing parent system such as a thermostat, security system, garage door, and the like. The switch controller may have an external housing, a contact penetrating clip, a processor capable of being connected to a network, and a computer readable storage medium storing one or more programs for execution by the processor. The bottom of the contact penetrating clip preferably has at least one cutting surface. The cutting surface being capable of cutting an insulative covering for an electrical wire, once the contact penetrating clip is secured to the switch controller. The switch controller requires no batteries and harvests/stores energy from the parent system's existing wiring. The switch controller may be capable of being paired with a wireless receiver/transceiver by which the operation of the switch controller and subsequently the parent system may be manipulated.