RF Transceiver Barrier Control Eliminates Hard Wiring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing barrier operator systems lack efficient communication and control mechanisms for transmitting and receiving information regarding the status and operation of barriers, such as garage doors, over long distances without the need for hard wiring, and do not effectively integrate with wireless local area networks or provide diagnostic capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A low power consumption radio frequency (RF) transceiver system is implemented, allowing communication between an operator base controller, remote control units, and monitoring devices, including those in vehicles and wall-mounted consoles, to transmit and receive status information, control commands, and diagnostic data, using RF transceivers in the 315 MHz and 915 MHz frequency bands, with optional repeaters for extended range and integration with obstruction detectors and dock equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If hard wiring is used between operator head and remote control units, then reliable communication is achieved, but installation complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical hard-wiring system with a radio frequency wireless communication system. Remote control units and operator heads communicate via RF signals instead of physical electrical connections, eliminating the need for complex wiring installation while maintaining communication reliability through wireless transmission protocols and signal processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces RF transceivers as intermediary devices that facilitate communication between operator heads and remote control units without direct physical connection. These transceivers convert electrical signals to radio frequency signals and back, enabling reliable wireless communication while simplifying installation by removing wiring requirements.
2Ease of operation
If wireless RF communication is used between operator head and remote units, then installation simplicity improves, but communication range and data transmission capability are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the wireless communication system into multiple RF transceiver units distributed at different locations. These segmented transceivers can relay and extend communication signals over longer distances, effectively expanding the operational range beyond what a single transceiver could achieve while maintaining installation simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses additional RF transceivers as intermediary relay stations to extend communication range. These intermediary devices receive signals from distant units and retransmit them, effectively bridging long distances without requiring direct line-of-sight or high-power transmissions, thus maintaining ease of installation while expanding operational range.
3Device complexity
If wireless RF transceivers are used for remote monitoring, then hard wiring requirements are reduced, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic transmission and sleep cycles for RF transceivers in monitoring mode. Instead of continuous operation, transceivers transmit status information at intervals and enter low-power sleep modes between transmissions, significantly reducing overall power consumption while maintaining wireless monitoring functionality and eliminating wiring requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables transceivers to operate autonomously with integrated power management that automatically adjusts transmission power and sleep schedules based on operational needs. This self-service approach optimizes power consumption by having the transceiver itself manage its energy usage without external control, reducing power requirements while maintaining wireless operation.
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 reliable, wireless communication of barrier status and control information over long distances, reduces power consumption, eliminates hard wiring, and facilitates diagnostic monitoring, enhancing operational efficiency and safety by minimizing unwanted barrier movements and integrating with security and diagnostic systems.
Implementation Method 1
low power consumption radio frequency (RF) transceivers... for real-time status monitoring and command transmission
Data Source
AI summary
Low cost, low power consumption radio frequency transceivers are incorporated in barrier operator control systems for transmitting signals between an operator control unit, one or more remote control units, a diagnostic or calibration device and an obstruction detector. Similar detector devices, including such transceivers, may be employed in loading docks for detecting the status of dock levelers and vehicle restraint devices. Radio frequency communication eliminates the need for hard wiring and also provides for transmission of commands and status information between various control units.