Configurable mesh network for an electrical switching system

Patent metadata

Field	Value
Publication number	US-11018510-B2
Application number	US-201916538196-A
Country	US
Kind code	B2
Filing date	Aug 12, 2019
Priority date	Jan 27, 2014
Publication date	May 25, 2021
Grant date	May 25, 2021

Abstract

Systems and methods that can be retrofitted into an existing wired electrical system replacing existing switches whether as a standalone single switch or part of a multi-way switch configuration that can be controlled locally nominally by touch, controlled remotely by a remote, or controlled remotely by a computer. The systems and method provide that the switches establish a local network allowing for retrofit or construction of a structure or facility with electrical system automation without the need for additional wiring.

First claim

The invention claimed is:

1. A power control system for retrofitting into a structure, the system comprising:
a master switch comprising:
a first activation object;
a physical switch;
a first computer configured to control said physical switch; and
a first network communication system configured to receive instructions from a network and provide them to said first computer;
wherein said first computer will adjust a configuration of said physical switch upon receipt of an instruction from said first network communication system or activation of said first activation object; and

a controller, the controller comprising:
a second computer including software instructions for receiving an indicator of an activation; and
a second network communication system configured to provide instructions to said network;
wherein upon said second computer receiving an indicator of activation said second network communication system will instruct said first computer via said network to control said physical switch.

2. The power control system of claim 1 , wherein said physical switch is an SPDT relay.

3. The power control system of claim 1 , further comprising an analog control circuit for providing instructions from said first computer to said physical switch.

4. The power control system of claim 1 , wherein said network is a Bluetooth Low Energy network.

5. The power control system of claim 1 , wherein said first activation object is a capacitive touch plate.

6. The power control system of claim 1 , wherein said instruction includes:
an address of said network; and
an identifier of said master switch to which said instruction is directed.

7. The power control system of claim 6 , wherein said instruction also includes a security code.

8. The power control system of claim 7 , wherein said security code is an RSA code.

9. The power control system of claim 1 , wherein said network is a self-organizing network.

10. The power control system of claim 9 , wherein said first computer can act as a hub in said self-organizing network.

11. The power control system of claim 1 wherein said second network communication system is connected to said network via the Internet.

12. The power control system of claim 1 wherein said controller is a mobile device.

13. The power control system of claim 1 wherein said software instructions include instructions for activating said physical switch according to a timetable.

14. The power control system of claim 1 wherein said software instructions include instructions for disconnecting said physical switch regardless of activation of said first activation object.

15. The system of claim 1 wherein said master switch is configured to replace a traditional lightswitch.

16. The system of claim 1 wherein said master switch is configured to replace a plug outlet.

17. The system of claim 1 wherein said software instructions include instructions for displaying on said mobile device a simulated switch and said indicator of activation is a user simulating toggling of said simulated switch.

18. The system of claim 1 wherein said first computer adjusts said configuration of said physical switch to connect or disconnect to a power source.

19. The system of claim 1 wherein said first computer adjusts said configuration of said physical switch to reduce or increase power draw from a power source.

20. The system of claim 1 wherein said first activation object is disconnected from said physical switch.

Assignees

• Ivani Llc

Inventors

• Wootton Matthew
• Nissman Christopher
• Wootton John
• Mckinney Justin

Classifications

• H02J13/14 Primary

  the power network being locally controlled, e.g. home energy management systems [HEMS] · CPC title

• H02J2105/12

  supplying households or buildings · CPC title

• H05B47/1965

  using handheld communication devices · CPC title

• H05B47/19

  via wireless transmission · CPC title

• H02J13/00

  Circuit arrangements for providing remote monitoring or remote control of equipment in a power distribution network · CPC title