Wireless Automation Nodes with Autonomous Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless automation systems require predetermined topologies, specific base stations for network programming and routing, and often need registration with cloud infrastructures, limiting their deployment and requiring experienced personnel for installation.
Innovation Solution
A wireless automation network with nodes that include actuator and sensor units, memory modules for storing programming and configuration information, and communication modules for radio data transmission, allowing for self-installation and operation without a base station or cloud connection, using Bluetooth Low Energy technology and enabling autonomous operation and remote control through mobile devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If wireless automation systems use predetermined topologies with base stations, then network control and routing are improved, but installation complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The automation nodes automatically perform routing and network management functions that previously required a central base station. Each node maintains routing tables and performs autonomous decision-making for data packet forwarding, enabling the network to self-organize and self-manage without centralized control infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The centralized control function is segmented and distributed across multiple autonomous nodes. Instead of one base station handling all routing decisions, each node independently maintains its own routing table and makes local routing decisions, distributing the control intelligence throughout the network.
2Reliability
If wireless automation systems require base stations for network programming, then network management is improved, but device cost and installation requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
Nodes automatically discover and register themselves with the network without requiring external programming equipment. When a node is powered on, it autonomously joins the network, obtains its routing table, and begins operating independently, eliminating the need for technician-assisted configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The routing tables and network configuration information are pre-established through automatic exchange between nodes during network formation. Nodes proactively share their routing information and configuration data with neighbors, building the network management infrastructure automatically before any control operations are needed.
3Reliability
If wireless automation systems use centralized routing through base stations, then signal routing control is improved, but network adaptability and free topology placement increase
Solution Approach 1:
The routing structure is dynamic rather than static. Nodes continuously update their routing tables based on changing network conditions, node availability, and topology changes. This allows the network to adapt to dynamic environmental changes while maintaining effective routing control.
Solution Approach 2:
Each node is designed to perform multiple functions: it acts as both an endpoint for automation control and as a routing intermediate for other nodes. This multi-functionality enables any node to serve as a potential base station, eliminating the need for specialized centralized routing infrastructure while maintaining routing control.
4Ease of operation
If wireless automation systems require cloud infrastructure registration, then remote access capability is improved, but system complexity and operational costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The remote access capability is extracted from the centralized cloud infrastructure and implemented through direct peer-to-peer communication between nodes and user devices. The routing table enables direct routing of remote commands to target nodes without requiring intermediate cloud servers, eliminating cloud dependency while maintaining remote access functionality.
Data Source
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AI summary
An automation network, particularly for residential environments, comprises a plurality of nodes, each of which comprises at least one actuator unit suitable for driving a load and/or at least one sensor unit suitable for receiving data from a sensor, a memory of module, and a communication module suitable for receiving and transmitting data via radio to and from at least some of the other nodes of the network according to a network protocol. The communication module is programmed to receive from at least one nearby node an input data packet comprising command instructions for the actuator unit thereof or to the actuator unit of other nodes, and/or the status of the actuator unit and/or the sensor unit of all nodes, programming and configuration information of all nodes, and to re-transmit an output data packet comprising the data of the input data packet updated with the status data of the respective actuator unit and/or of the respective sensor unit.