Wireless Electrical Device Network Setup Without Master Controller

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wireless lighting control systems require a master controller for network setup, making it costly for consumers to establish small networks of electrical devices, as the cost of the controller becomes a significant portion of the overall network cost.

Innovation Solution

An electrical device equipped with a wireless communication unit, processor, and function module that allows it to check if it is part of a network, create a new network if necessary, and provide additional functions, eliminating the need for a separate specialized controller.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a master controller is used for network setup in wireless lighting control systems, then the network can be established and devices can be paired, but the cost of the network increases significantly as the master controller becomes a large portion of the overall cost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork setup capabilityVSAvoidnetwork cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the master controller from the network architecture. Each electrical device independently performs network setup and pairing functions that previously required a centralized master controller, thereby eliminating the cost overhead while maintaining network establishment capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

Each electrical device in the network is equipped with the capability to autonomously participate in network setup and device pairing without requiring a dedicated master controller. The devices self-organize into the network using peer-to-peer communication protocols

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If wiring is installed during construction to control electrical devices, then reliable electrical connection is achieved, but the locations of devices and switches become difficult to change after installation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical connection reliabilityVSAvoiddevice location flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical wiring system with a wireless communication system. Electrical devices use wireless signals to transmit control commands, eliminating the need for physical wire connections and enabling flexible repositioning of devices and switches without reconstruction work

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The wireless communication unit in each electrical device enables multiple functions including network joining, device pairing, and control signal transmission, replacing the单一 function of traditional wired connections while adding mobility and reconfigurability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS10394267B2Electrical device, network and method of controlling the same

Publication Date: 2019.08.27 EATON INTELLIGENT POWER LTD

AI summary

An electrical device including a wireless communication unit structured to wirelessly communicate with other electrical devices and a processor structured to check if the electrical device is part of a network of other electrical devices. The processor is structure to create a new network and add other electrical devices to the new network if the electrical device is not part of the network of other electrical devices and to remain in the network of other electrical devices if the electrical device is part of the network of other electrical devices. The electrical device further includes a function module structured to provide an additional function associated with a type of the electrical device.