Wireless Router Mediates Power Switch Control for Disconnected Devices

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Solution Overview

Problem

Smart household devices cannot be controlled wirelessly when they are disconnected from the power supply, as the wireless communications module is also powered off, preventing the receipt of control commands.

Innovation Solution

A method and system where a controller sends a control command to a wireless router, which determines if the device is disconnected from the power supply and sends a power supply connect instruction to an input apparatus to reconnect the device, allowing wireless control even when the device is powered off.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If the household device is disconnected from the power supply to save energy or reduce interference, then power consumption and electromagnetic interference are reduced, but the device cannot receive wireless control commands

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidwireless control capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a wireless router as an intermediary device that bridges the control command transmission and power supply connection. The router receives wireless control commands and forwards them to the input apparatus, which then connects the household device to the power supply. This intermediary mechanism enables wireless control functionality even when the device is disconnected from power, resolving the contradiction between energy saving and control capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary actions by detecting the disconnection state of the household device from the power supply before attempting wireless control. When the device is detected as disconnected, the system proactively sends a power supply connection instruction through the input apparatus to restore power connection before the device can respond to control commands. This preliminary detection and action ensures control operations can proceed successfully.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of operation

If the wireless communications module remains powered on to receive control commands, then wireless control capability is maintained, but power consumption increases and electromagnetic interference is generated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewireless control capabilityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary detection of the device's power connection state before initiating wireless control operations. When the device is detected as disconnected from power, the system proactively sends power supply connection instructions through the input apparatus before the device can activate its wireless communications module. This ensures the device is powered on in advance to receive control commands, eliminating the need for continuous power consumption while maintaining control capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If the power switch button is used to control the device, then the device can be powered on or off, but the device cannot be remotely controlled when powered off

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower control flexibilityVSAvoidremote control capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a wireless router as an intermediary that enables remote control functionality independent of the device's local power state. The router receives wireless control commands and forwards them to the input apparatus, which can connect the device to power even when it is currently disconnected. This intermediary system provides adaptability by allowing the device to be controlled remotely regardless of its immediate power connection state, resolving the contradiction between power control flexibility and remote control capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system replaces the mechanical power switch button with a wireless control mechanism that operates independently of the device's local power state. Instead of requiring the device to be physically powered on for remote control, the system uses wireless communication through the router and input apparatus to send power connection instructions, substituting the mechanical power control system with an automated wireless control system that provides greater flexibility and remote control capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS11482095B2Wireless control method, system, and apparatus for determining the state of a power switch

Publication Date: 2022.10.25 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD

AI summary

A wireless control method includes sending, by a controller, a first control command to instruct the first device to execute a corresponding event, receiving, by a wireless router, the first control command, determining, in response to the first control command, that the first device is not connected to a power supply, and sending a power supply connect instruction to an input apparatus, where the power supply connect instruction instructs the input apparatus to connect the first device to the power supply.