Two-Wire Video Doorbell Chime Controller
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing video doorbell systems using two-wire interfaces face challenges in providing continuous power to video doorbell circuitry while maintaining the functionality of indoor chimes, especially due to power disruptions and the limitations of rechargeable batteries which degrade over time and perform poorly in extreme temperatures.
Innovation Solution
A video doorbell system that utilizes a transformer to convert premise power into a suitable voltage, providing continuous power to the video doorbell through a two-wire interface while using a chime controller to activate an indoor chime via signaling current, eliminating the need for a rechargeable battery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a rechargeable battery is used to provide continuous power to the video doorbell, then the video doorbell can operate during doorbell button presses, but the battery degrades over time and performs poorly in extreme temperatures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the rechargeable battery from the video doorbell system entirely. Instead of using a battery to provide continuous power, the system uses the existing two-wire interface to deliver power directly from the transformer to the video doorbell, extracting the power supply function from the battery and relocating it to the wired power delivery system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent inverts the traditional approach by making the two-wire interface bidirectional for both power delivery and data communication. Rather than using the battery as the primary power source and the two-wire interface only for chime signaling, the system uses the two-wire interface for continuous power delivery and bidirectional communication, eliminating the need for battery backup.
2Ease of operation
If the two-wire interface is used to activate the indoor chime, then the chime functionality is maintained, but power is disrupted to the video doorbell during button presses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the power and communication functions within the two-wire interface system. The video doorbell processor generates chime signals that are transmitted over the two-wire interface to the chime controller, which then activates the indoor chime. This segmentation allows chime activation without requiring the traditional commutation method that would interrupt power to the video doorbell.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a chime controller as an intermediary device between the video doorbell and the indoor chime. The chime controller receives chime signals from the video doorbell over the two-wire interface and activates the indoor chime accordingly. This intermediary enables chime functionality while maintaining continuous power delivery to the video doorbell, as the chime controller handles the chime activation without requiring power commutation.
3Duration of action of moving object
If a rechargeable battery is included in the doorbell system, then continuous operation is possible, but the system becomes bulkier and more expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the rechargeable battery component from the video doorbell system entirely. By extracting the battery and its associated charging circuitry, the system achieves continuous operation through the transformer-powered two-wire interface without the added bulk, cost, and complexity of battery components.
4Reliability
If the rechargeable battery is used, then power backup is available, but the battery adds environmental concerns due to disposal issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the rechargeable battery from the system, eliminating the environmental disposal issues associated with battery waste. The power backup function is replaced by the continuous power delivery capability of the transformer through the two-wire interface, providing reliable operation without the harmful environmental factors of battery disposal.
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 ensures continuous operation of the video doorbell's processor, camera, and wireless communication module without power disruptions, while also providing reliable chime activation without the drawbacks of rechargeable batteries, such as degradation and environmental impact.
Implementation Method 1
a transformer, operable to convert a premise's power supply to a suitable voltage for the video doorbell system
Implementation Method 2
the chime controller operable to receive the chime signal across at least one wire of the two-wire interface and activate a chime generator to generate a chime sound
Data Source
AI summary
A video doorbell system operable to generate a chime sound, comprises a transformer, operable to convert a premise's power supply to a suitable. The video doorbell system further includes a video doorbell having a processor, a video camera and a wireless communication module. The video doorbell is electrically connected to the transformer by a two-wire interface. The processor within the video doorbell operable to generate a chime signal using power supplied from the two-wire interface when a doorbell button is depressed. The video doorbell system further includes a chime controller, electrically connected to the transformer and the video doorbell by the two-wire interface. The video doorbell system continues to provide sufficient power to the video doorbell from the transformer via the two-wire interface so as to be able to operate the processor, video camera and wireless communication module while the doorbell button is currently depressed.