Wireless Load Control With Network Time Sync for Outage Scheduling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing home automation systems require battery backups to maintain time and date information, which are costly, difficult to replace, and eventually run out, causing controllers to fail in executing timeclock schedules.
Innovation Solution
A wireless load control system that obtains the present time from a server via a network, allowing it to control electrical loads according to a timeclock schedule without a battery backup, and includes a battery backup device that switches to battery power during outages to maintain functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a battery backup is used to maintain time and date information in the controller, then the timeclock schedule can be maintained during power outages, but the system becomes costly, difficult to maintain, and the battery will eventually run out
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the timekeeping function from the local controller by obtaining time information from an external time server via network communication. This removes the need for battery backup systems while maintaining reliable timeclock schedule execution, as the controller can continuously synchronize with the external time source as long as network connectivity is available.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller is designed to perform multiple functions: it can operate with local timekeeping when network connectivity is unavailable, and switch to network-based time synchronization when connectivity is available. This multi-functionality provides flexibility and eliminates the need for battery backup while ensuring reliable operation under different conditions.
2Reliability
If a battery backup is installed in the controller, then power loss protection is provided, but the battery is large, costly, and difficult to replace
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the battery component entirely from the system by using network-based time synchronization. The controller obtains time information from an external time server through the network, eliminating the need for battery replacement while maintaining operational reliability during power outages as long as network connectivity persists.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical battery backup system with an electronic network-based time synchronization system. Instead of using a physical battery to maintain timekeeping capability, the controller communicates with an external time server via network protocols, substituting a mechanical energy storage solution with an electronic information exchange mechanism.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the controller uses local timekeeping without network connectivity, then it can operate independently, but the time and date information will eventually become inaccurate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic timekeeping approach where the controller adapts its time synchronization method based on network availability. When the network is accessible, the controller synchronizes with the external time server to maintain accurate time and date information. When network connectivity is lost, it transitions to local timekeeping, understanding that accuracy may degrade over time but operation continues independently.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller continuously monitors network connectivity status and adjusts its time synchronization behavior accordingly. When network connectivity is available, it receives time correction information from the external time server, providing feedback to maintain accurate timekeeping. This feedback mechanism ensures time accuracy is maintained as long as the network is accessible, while allowing independent operation when the network is unavailable.
Data Source
AI summary
A wireless load control system for controlling one or more electrical loads comprises a wireless control device (e.g., a gateway device) able to obtain a present time from a server via a network (e.g., the Internet), control the electrical loads according to a timeclock schedule, and disable the timeclock schedule if the present time is not able to be obtained from the server via the network. The wireless control device may also be able to obtain the present time from a digital message received from an external device (e.g., a smart phone or a tablet device) via the network. The wireless control device may be configured to receive a control signal indicating a power outage (e.g., from a battery backup device), and to operate in a low-power mode in response to receiving the control signal indicating the power outage.