Wireless Relay Microcontroller Bi-directional Communication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional radio controlled relays lack advanced control mechanisms and bi-directional communication capabilities, limiting their functionality in complex systems where nuanced control and feedback are required.
Innovation Solution
A wireless relay system incorporating a microcontroller connected to control terminals, which receives commands from a radio receiver and determines whether to pass signals to the relay coil, allowing for advanced control logic and bi-directional communication, including the use of resistor voltage dividers to manage signal voltages and optional transceivers for feedback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a microcontroller is added to the relay to enable advanced control logic and bi-directional communication, then the control capability and communication functionality are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the microcontroller, radio receiver, relay coil control, and bi-directional communication capabilities into a single integrated wireless relay device. This merging of previously separate components (relay switch and communication module) into one unit enables advanced control logic and feedback while maintaining a compact form factor, resolving the contradiction between enhanced adaptability and increased complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The wireless relay is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a simple relay switch and as a communication node with bi-directional capabilities. The device can perform basic relay functions while simultaneously handling encrypted commands, status reporting, and diagnostic information exchange, making it universally applicable in both simple and complex control systems without requiring separate dedicated components.
2Reliability
If bi-directional communication with encrypted commands is implemented, then system security and reliability are improved, but the use of energy increases due to additional communication and processing activities
Solution Approach 1:
The wireless relay implements periodic communication rather than continuous transmission. The device maintains reliable encrypted bi-directional communication by exchanging status reports and diagnostic information at scheduled intervals, and by using event-triggered communication only when state changes occur. This periodic action reduces energy consumption compared to continuous communication while maintaining system reliability through regular updates.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the relay sends status reports and diagnostic information back to the controller based on its operational state. This feedback enables the system to make intelligent decisions about when communication is necessary, reducing energy waste by avoiding unnecessary transmissions while maintaining reliability through appropriate feedback loops that monitor and report only when needed.
Data Source
AI summary
This invention provides a wireless relay which derives power for operation from voltages connected to inputs to the relay. The wireless relay has a radio receiver, a microcontroller, control terminals, and switched terminals. Optionally, the wireless relay may further comprise a transmitter.