Peer-to-Peer Wireless Switching for Reconfigurable Device Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing method of controlling lighting and devices in homes and buildings requires fixed, high-voltage wiring, making it difficult and costly to relocate or alter the configuration of fixtures and switches.
Innovation Solution
A network system utilizing battery-powered, radio-controlled switches and peer-to-peer communication enables control of electric and electronic devices without fixed wiring, allowing for easy relocation and alteration of device configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If fixed, high-voltage wiring is used to control devices, then reliable device control is achieved, but device relocation and configuration alteration become costly and difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the switching function from the fixed high-voltage wiring system by introducing wireless communication modules into switches and target devices. This allows the control functionality to be separated from the physical wiring infrastructure, enabling device relocation without rewiring while maintaining control reliability through wireless peer-to-peer communication.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/electrical connection system (physical wiring) with a wireless communication system. Switches and target devices communicate control commands wirelessly, substituting the traditional mechanical switching contacts and electrical conduits with radio frequency communication, thereby enabling flexible relocation while maintaining reliable control.
2Ease of manufacture
If fixed wiring is installed by licensed electricians during initial construction, then proper electrical system establishment is achieved, but future reconfiguration becomes disruptive and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic reconfigurability to the electrical control system by enabling wireless communication between switches and target devices. This allows the system to adapt its configuration dynamically without physical rewiring, making reconfiguration as easy as changing wireless associations rather than undertaking disruptive construction work.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of connection methodology from fixed physical wiring to flexible wireless communication. This parameter change enables the system to transition from a static, hard-to-reconfigure state to a dynamic, easily adaptable state while maintaining proper electrical system functionality.
3Ease of operation
If traditional wired switches are used, then simple and reliable switching is achieved, but flexibility in control location and method is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes switches multi-functional by combining traditional switching capability with wireless communication functionality. Switches can operate in their conventional location while also enabling remote control through wireless devices, and can be relocated freely without losing functionality. This universality resolves the contradiction between operational simplicity and location flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces wireless communication as an intermediary between the user and the target device. This intermediary layer allows control operations to be performed from multiple locations and through multiple interfaces while maintaining the simplicity of the underlying switching function, thereby achieving both ease of operation and control flexibility.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are provided for controlling electric and electronic devices. The devices may communicate with each other in a many-to-many, peer-to-peer network to provide control functionality without the need for a central controller. Device-to-device control messages may be implemented over short range, wireless broadcast messages.