Networking Thermostat Gateway Failover for Remote Connectivity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing networked thermostats require separate gateway equipment for remote communication, lacking redundancy in case the dedicated gateway fails, which is not suitable for larger applications.
Innovation Solution
A networking thermostat with a main processor and communications processor that can operate in master or slave mode, forming a star network and automatically switching to a standby master if communication with the remote server is lost, eliminating the need for additional gateway equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate gateway equipment is used for remote communication, then remote server connectivity is achieved, but system complexity increases and redundancy is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the gateway functionality with the thermostat device itself. The thermostat includes a communications processor with wireless radio that can directly communicate with the remote server, eliminating the need for separate gateway equipment. This merging of functions reduces system complexity while maintaining connectivity capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The thermostat is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a temperature control device and as a gateway for remote communication. The communications processor can operate in different modes (slave mode for temperature control, master mode for gateway functionality), allowing a single device to perform multiple roles without requiring dedicated gateway equipment.
2Ease of operation
If a dedicated gateway is used for data aggregation, then centralized control is achieved, but redundancy is lost when the gateway fails
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by designating a standby master thermostat before any failure occurs. The standby master is pre-configured and ready to take over communications processor functionality if the current master fails, ensuring continuous operation without interruption to data aggregation or control functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides beforehand cushioning through the standby master thermostat that is prepared in advance to compensate for potential master thermostat failures. This redundancy ensures that if the master thermostat fails, the standby can immediately take over, cushioning against service interruption and maintaining system reliability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If each thermostat maintains independent remote connection, then individual control is achieved, but network scalability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the network into hierarchical levels: master thermostats that handle remote server communications and slave thermostats that provide local temperature control. This segmentation allows individual thermostats to maintain independence for local control while enabling scalable network growth through the master-s slave architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The master thermostat acts as an intermediary between the remote server and slave thermostats. Instead of each thermostat needing direct remote connection capabilities, the master thermostat mediates communications, allowing slave thermostats to focus on local control functions while the master handles network scalability and remote server interactions.
Data Source
AI summary
A networking thermostat is described that includes a main processor and a communications processor. The main processor includes a network manager function, a master messaging function and a slave messaging function while the communications processor includes a wireless radio enabling the thermostat to communicate with other networking thermostats. The networking thermostat is able to operate in a master mode or a slave mode, where the master mode allows the networking thermostat to act as a main gateway between other networking thermostats and a remote server. When in the master mode the networking thermostat can default to a slave if communication with the remote server is lost, thereby allowing one of the other networking thermostats to become a master.