Router and Controller Wiring for Variable Transmission Devices

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Solution Overview

Problem

The complexity and time-consuming nature of wiring non-light-emitting variable transmission devices, along with the difficulty in tracking wiring issues and replacing control equipment, hinder efficient system operation and maintenance in building management systems.

Innovation Solution

A system comprising non-light-emitting variable transmission devices, controllers, and routers with male/female connectors that allow for quick and easy component replacement and power allocation, reducing the need for tools and minimizing incorrect wiring, and enabling all devices to receive full power simultaneously despite exceeding the router's power rating.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional wiring methods are used to connect non-light-emitting variable transmission devices, then the devices can be controlled, but the wiring process becomes very time consuming and complicated, particularly as the number of devices increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice control reliabilityVSAvoidwiring installation time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical wiring connections with a wireless communication system. Controllers and routers communicate with variable transmission devices through wireless signals, eliminating the need for physical wire-by-wire connections while maintaining reliable device control functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces universal connectors that can establish connections between different components (controllers, routers, devices) through a standardized interface. This multi-functional connector design allows any component to connect to any other component, simplifying the wiring process and reducing installation time regardless of the number of devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If traditional wiring methods are used to connect non-light-emitting variable transmission devices, then the devices can be controlled, but tracking down wiring issues becomes difficult, particularly as the number of devices increases and the length of wiring becomes longer

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice control reliabilityVSAvoidwiring issue detection difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex physical wiring with wireless communication, eliminating the need to physically trace long wires through buildings to diagnose connection issues. Wireless signal transmission and reception provide clear digital indicators of connection status, making troubleshooting straightforward.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces controllers and routers as intermediary devices that manage communication between the control system and variable transmission devices. These intermediaries provide centralized monitoring and diagnostic capabilities, making it easy to identify and track down any communication issues without physically inspecting wiring throughout the building.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If traditional wiring methods are used to connect non-light-emitting variable transmission devices, then the devices can be controlled, but replacement of control equipment becomes a very difficult task

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice control reliabilityVSAvoidcontrol equipment replacement ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces permanent wired connections with wireless communication, allowing control equipment to be replaced by simply re-establishing wireless connections. This eliminates the need to rewire entire systems when replacing controllers or routers, making maintenance and upgrades trivial.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs universal connectors and standardized communication protocols that ensure any controller or router can connect to any variable transmission device. This universality allows control equipment to be replaced with different models or manufacturers without requiring custom wiring or configuration, significantly easing repair and maintenance tasks.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Ease of repair

If male/female connectors are used for component connection, then component replacement becomes quick and easy, but the risk of incorrect wiring may increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomponent replacement easeVSAvoidwiring accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of repairVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces physical wiring connections with wireless communication, eliminating the risk of incorrect wiring entirely. Wireless protocols include automatic connection verification and error checking, ensuring that communication is established correctly without the possibility of wrong wire connections.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses controllers and routers as intermediary devices that manage connections through standardized protocols. These intermediaries automatically verify connection status and configuration, preventing incorrect wiring issues that could arise from manual connector installation while maintaining ease of component replacement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS11953960B2System including a router, controllers and non-light-emitting variable transmission devices and a method of using the same
Publication Date: 2024.04.09 SAGE ELECTROCHROMICS INC
  • US11953960B2 patent drawing
  • US11953960B2 patent drawing
  • US11953960B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A system can include a non-light-emitting, variable transmission device a controller coupled and configured to provide power to the first non-light-emitting, variable transmission device; and a router configured to provide power and control signals to the first controller. In an aspect, the controller includes a first connector; the router includes a second connector; and a cable including a third connector and a fourth connector at different ends of the cable. The first and third connectors are coupled to each other, and the second and fourth connectors are coupled to each other. In another aspect, the system can include other non-light-emitting, variable transmission devices, and controllers. The system can be configured to perform a method of controlling the system that includes determining power requirements for the controllers and allocating power to the controllers corresponding to the power requirements.