Networking Thermostat Gateway Failover for Redundant Remote Control
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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 inconvenient and unreliable.
Innovation Solution
A networking thermostat with a main processor and communications processor that can operate in master or slave mode, forming a star network with other thermostats, allowing any thermostat to become a gateway or slave, and automatically switching to a standby gateway in case of communication loss with the remote server.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a dedicated gateway device is used for remote communication, then the thermostat can be connected to a remote server, but the system lacks redundancy in case the gateway fails
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the gateway functionality with the thermostat device itself. The thermostat includes a processor that can operate in master mode to act as a gateway for other thermostats, eliminating the need for separate dedicated gateway equipment. This integration provides both remote communication capability and redundancy, as any thermostat can become a gateway.
Solution Approach 2:
The thermostat is designed with multi-functionality, capable of operating in both slave mode (as a regular thermostat) and master mode (as a gateway for other thermostats). This universal design allows any thermostat to serve dual purposes, providing redundancy without requiring specialized equipment.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate gateway equipment is used, then remote server connection is enabled, but additional equipment is required
Solution Approach 1:
The gateway functionality is merged into the thermostat device. The processor can execute gateway protocols and communicate with the remote server directly, eliminating the need for separate gateway equipment and reducing the total number of devices required in the system.
Solution Approach 2:
The thermostat is designed to perform multiple functions: it can operate as a slave thermostat, as a master gateway for other thermostats, or as a standalone device with remote communication capabilities. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated gateway equipment.
3Reliability
If a single gateway is used, then the system is simpler, but there is no redundant means of maintaining external communication
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-configures multiple thermostats with the capability to function as gateways. When a thermostat is installed, it is automatically configured to potentially serve as a backup gateway, eliminating the need for manual reconfiguration during failover events.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements automatic detection and failover mechanisms where thermostats monitor the status of the active gateway and automatically switch to a backup gateway when communication failures are detected, maintaining continuous external communication without manual intervention.
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.