Wireless Load Time Synchronization Without Controller Battery Backup
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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 loss, but the system becomes more costly, complex, and requires periodic battery replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a server as an intermediary that stores timeclock schedules and provides time information to the controller over a network. This eliminates the need for a battery backup in the controller, as the controller can obtain accurate time and schedule information from the server during normal operation. The server acts as a centralized repository that the controller queries to maintain accurate timekeeping without requiring local battery power.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/chemical battery backup system with an electronic/network-based solution. Instead of using a battery to maintain timekeeping capability during power loss, the system uses network communication to retrieve time and schedule information from a server. This substitution eliminates the physical battery component while achieving the same functional goal of maintaining accurate timeclock operation.
2Reliability
If a battery backup is installed in the controller, then time and date information can be maintained during power outages, but the system cost increases and battery replacement becomes necessary
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the server a multi-functional component that serves both as a timeclock schedule repository and as a time source for the controller. By consolidating these functions in a centralized server rather than duplicating them in each controller with battery backups, the system reduces overall cost and complexity. The server's network accessibility allows multiple controllers to share the same timekeeping infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the physical battery backup infrastructure with a network-based time synchronization system. This substitution eliminates the need for manufacturing, installing, and maintaining battery backup units in each controller, thereby reducing system cost and simplifying the manufacturing process while maintaining reliable timekeeping through network connectivity.
3Reliability
If batteries are used to maintain controller operation during power loss, then timeclock schedules can continue, but the batteries are difficult to replace and will eventually run out
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a network server as an intermediary that provides continuous time and schedule information to the controller. This eliminates the need for local battery storage in the controller, as the controller can continuously refresh its time and schedule data from the server via network communication. The server maintains the authoritative timeclock schedule centrally, and the controller queries it as needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the battery-based power storage mechanism with a network-based information retrieval mechanism. Instead of relying on batteries to maintain operation during power loss, the system uses network connectivity to obtain time and schedule information from a server. This substitution eliminates battery replacement maintenance while ensuring continuous operation as long as network access is available.
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.