Abstract:
A wiring system comprising a module-bearing platform and a plurality of function modules is disclosed. The system comprises a strong current wire tunnel, a weak current wire tunnel, and a wire duct. The strong current wire tunnel contains a strong current conductive wire linking power mains; the weak current wire tunnel contains a weak current conductive wire and a network cable connected to a background server. A method is also disclosed that integrates accessing mains power, providing weak current electric power source, and conducting data communication within a single wired system. The system and the method eliminate signal instability present in wireless communications of smart home settings and provide enhanced safety, compatibility and a flexible wire structure for easy and unrestricted accommodation of function modules according to the needs of users.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. CN2016100509256, filed on Jan. 26, 2016, titled “Integrated Link Device,” Chinese Patent Application No. CN2016100509580, filed on Jan. 26, 2016, titled “A Line-Carried Information and Physical System,” Chinese Utility Model Patent Application No, CN2016200744232, filed on Jan. 26, 2016, titled “Integrated Link Device,” and Chinese Patent Utility Model Application No. CN 2016200744656, filed on Jan. 26, 2016, titled “A Line-Carried Information and Physical System,” which are hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
       FIELD 
       [0002]    This application relates in general to wiring systems for carrying electric energy and transmitting data and signals in human dwellings, in particular, to an integrated wiring system that facilitates intelligent management of smart homes and smart offices, and can be extended to all human habitations, including but not limit to, living space, working space, and any place where wired transmission of power, signal and data are applicable. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    Smart home is a living environment, wherein a residential area is a platform upon which a host of technologies, including wiring technology, network communication technology, security technology, automatic control technology, and audio and video technology are integrated to exercise centralized control and regulation on related devices and facilities, with an aim to improve safety, convenience, comfort, artistic ambiance, environmental protection, and energy conservation. 
         [0004]    For successful implementation of a technology, the superiority of the technology itself is indispensable; in addition, another indispensable element is a structure for executing the technology that enables communication and transmission of signals and energies. Currently, smart homes depend almost entirely on wireless communication networks for data transmission, the popular ones including Zigbee, Z_Wave wireless communication technology, WIFI wireless communication technology, etc. One advantage for using wireless communication technologies is the absence of the burden of massive wires in a wired system, however, the trade-ins are several: low stability emanating from easy loss of data; difficulty in safeguarding privacy; and a lack of unified standard for smart home platforms. Thus a large number of terminal devices and equipment employed in day-to-day life cannot be intelligently integrated on a single platform, as a result compatibility is limited to power switches. Also, overall scalability is poor, and products are difficult to expand or scale up. Furthermore, eschewing challenges posed by wiring load is a common phenomenon in the industry. The accumulated outcome from all these conditions is a lack of products that meet user&#39;s needs. 
         [0005]    Therefore, a need remains for a system and a method to reliably distribute energy, data, and signals in a human dwelling without a massive, messy and cumbersome burden of wirings, while still maintaining high levels of stability, safety, and scalability for the system, which are necessary to meet the need for smart homes, smart offices, etc. and to improve the efficiency for conventional home and buildings. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0006]    The invention aims to overcome the deficiencies and shortcomings of prior art and to provide a wiring structure that does away with common limitations that hinders the construction industry: limitation on the space of equipment placement; limitation on the quantity of the equipment placement; limitation on sequence of equipment placement; limitation on the controlled functional range of the equipment; and limitation on space separation between operating equipment. As a result, the invention ushers in the next generation product lines for the residential wiring industry, redefines smart home business in another level, and can be expanded to the entire human habitation. The device includes a plurality of function modules attached to a module-bearing platform. The plurality of function modules is connected, by wire, to weak current electric power and to network cable. The system enhances the safety of smart home control system, expand its functional range and is associated with strong stability. The module-bearing platform has strong compatibility and scalability for various function modules, thus allowing a user to add or remove function modules based on needs. 
         [0007]    Consistent with above advantages, an integrated wiring system is disclosed. The system includes: a module-bearing, platform and a plurality of function modules removably secured to the platform; a wire pathway formed or enclosed between the platform and the plurality of the function modules, the wire pathway further divided into a strong current wire tunnel and a weak current wire tunnel; a strong current conductive wire, housed within the strong current wire tunnel, and operable to conduct strong current from an external power source such as power mains, distribution mains, or a power line; a weak current conductive wire, at least partially housed with the weak current wire tunnel, and operable to conduct weak current to the plurality of the function modules; a network cable, housed at least partially in the weak current wire tunnel and connected to a background server; one or more of the function modules connected to the strong current conductive wire. 
         [0008]    In one embodiment, of the current invention, the number and the function of the function modules attached on the module-bearing platform can be increased or decreased based on user&#39;s needs. 
         [0009]    In one embodiment of the current invention, the wire pathway enclosed between the platform and the function modules further comprises a wire duct that houses at least a portion the weak current conductive wire or at least a portion of the network cable. 
         [0010]    In one embodiment of the current invention, one or more of the function modules are connected to the weak current connective wire or the network cable. 
         [0011]    In one embodiment of the current invention, the module-bearing platform is a U-shaped module-bearing platform. 
         [0012]    In one embodiment of the current invention, the U-shaped module-bearing platform is made of metal or metal alloy. 
         [0013]    In one embodiment of the current invention, the U-shaped module-bearing platform and a plurality of the function modules enclose a wire pathway that is further partitioned via metal plates into the strong current wire tunnel, the weak current wire tunnel and the wire duct. 
         [0014]    In one embodiment of the current invention, the weak current wire tunnel is placed between the strong current wire tunnel and the wire duct; the strong current wire tunnel comprises a neutral wire, a hot wire, and a ground wire, and the neutral wire, the hot wire, and ground wire are placed on the interior wall of the strong current wire tunnel; the weak current wire tunnel comprises two weak current conductive wires and two industry buses, and the two weak current conductive wires and the two industry buses are attached to the interior wall of the weak current wire tunnel. 
         [0015]    In one embodiment of the current invention, the weak current conductive wire travels through the wire duct. 
         [0016]    In one embodiment of the current invention, each attached function modules has a metal layer on the surface facing the platform. 
         [0017]    In one embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of function modules is attached to the module-bearing platform through physical embedding, riveting, screwing, clasping, or adhesion. 
         [0018]    In one embodiment of the present invention, the network cable includes at one from the group of Ethernet cable and fiber optic cable. 
         [0019]    The present invention is advantageous in many aspects, The wires solve the problems of instability and narrow range of functional control present in the wireless communications in smart home/smart office design and implementations, by detachably attaching a plurality of smart home/smart office function modules unto a module-bearing platform, and connecting the plurality of the function modules to weak current lines and the network cables through wires. Smart home systems implementing the current invention will enjoy strong safety, wide compatibility, and a wide functional range for the controlled equipment. Easy expandability is also achieved by adding or subtracting function modules based on user&#39;s needs. 
         [0020]    Still other embodiments will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, wherein embodiments are described by way of illustrating the best mode contemplated. As will be realized, other and different embodiments are possible and the embodiments&#39; several details are capable of modifications in various obvious respects, all without departing from their spirit and the scope. Accordingly, the drawings and detailed description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not as restrictive. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0021]      FIG. 1  is prospective view showing an integrated wiring system  10  for providing strong current electric power, weak current electric power, and wired communication conduit, in accordance with one embodiment. 
           [0022]      FIG. 2  is a cross section view of the integrated wiring system  10  as show in  FIG. 1 , in accordance with one embodiment. 
           [0023]      FIG. 3  is a cross section view of a function module in accordance with one embodiment. 
           [0024]      FIG. 4  is a cross section view of a function module in accordance with one embodiment. 
           [0025]      FIG. 5  is a cross section view of a function module in accordance with one embodiment. 
           [0026]      FIG. 6  is a cross section view of a function module in accordance with one embodiment. 
           [0027]      FIG. 7  is a cross section view of a function module in accordance with one embodiment. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0028]    n integrated wiring system  10  is disclosed that facilitates designing and implementation of smart homes and smart offices, and can be useful in other human habitations. As shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the integrated wiring system  10  provides a module-bearing platform  15  and, a plurality of function modules  20  that are detachably or removably, attached or secured to the platform  15 . The plurality of the function modules  20  and the platform  15  enclose a tunnel-shaped wire pathway that is further partitioned into a strong current wire tunnel  11  and a weak current wire tunnel  12 . The strong current wire tunnel  11  contains a strong current conductive wire that is configured to be connected to an external power source such as power mains, distribution mains, or a power line; the weak current wire tunnel  12  contains a weak current conductive wire  19  and a network cable  21  that is configured to be connected to a background server. 
         [0029]    In one embodiment, the module-bearing platform  15  is made from metal or alloy material; alternatively, a metal or alloy layer is placed on the interior wall of the module-bearing platform. Furthermore, a strong current/weak current partition  14  is provided that is made of or contains a metal plate. As a result, electromagnetic interferences between the strong current wire tunnel  11  and the weak current wire tunnel  12  is minimized and the module-bearing platform strongly shields away electro-magnetic waves that cause signal interferences. In some circumstances the wiring system accommodates a large number of weak current conductive wires  19  that may cause interferes to each other and to the network cable  21 . To curtail the problem, in one embodiment, a wire duct  13  is partitioned out from the strong current wire tunnel  11  and the weak current wire tunnel  12 , by the introduction of a metal partition  16 . At least a portion of the weak current conductive wires  19 , as well as at least a portion of the network cables  21 , can travel through the wire duct  13 , ensuring enhanced safety and low-interference for the system. 
         [0030]    The module-bearing platform  15  is an elongated platform that can be mounted in the interior wall, floor, and roof of a building, integrated into building structures such as baseboard, skirting board, frieze, or crown molding, placed on or affixed to furniture such as table, desk, and bench; or positioned to places where wire connections for electric power, signal, and data transmission are applicable. The cross-section of the platform  15  can be shaped as a semi-circle, semi-ellipse, and polygonal. Other shapes are possible. In one embodiment, the module-bearing platform  10  is a U-shaped module-bearing platform when viewed through a cross section, as shown in  FIG. 2 . For illustrative purpose, the function module  20  in  FIG. 2  is depicted in a detached position relative to the platform  15 . The function module  20  can be handily attached to or detached from the platform  15  through a reversible locking member  17  such as a clasp, a pivot, a lock, or an adhesive member. The wire pathway thus enclosed by the function module  20  and the platform  15  are further partitioned by metal plates into the strong current wire tunnel  11 , the weak current wire tunnel  12 , and the wire duct  13 . In one preferred embodiment, the weak current wire tunnel  12  is located between the strong current wire tunnel  11  and the wire duct  13 ; furthermore, the strong current wire tunnel contains the strong current conductive wire comprising a hot wire  18 H, a ground wire  18 D, and a neutral wire  18 L, all affixed to the interior wall of the strong current wire tunnel  11 ; furthermore, in one embodiment, two weak current conductive wires  19  and two network cables  21  are affixed to the interior wall of the weak current wire tunnel  12 . Network cable can also be fastened to the interior wall of the wire duct  13 . As can be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the relative positions of the strong current wire tunnel  11 , the weak current wire tunnel  12 , and the wire duct  13  can vary in accordance with need and is not limited what is described in figures. In addition, the neutral wire  18 D, the hot wire  18 H, the ground wire  18 L, two weak current conductive wires  19 , and two network cable  21  may also be placed in other positions as dictated by needs. They can be affixed to the interior wall by fastening, adhesion, attachment, or other means, or placed without fixed attachment. 
         [0031]    In one embodiment of the present invention, a layer of insulation material is placed on the, interior wall of the strong current wire tunnel  11 . The protective layer minimizes the risk of electric shock to a user and enhances the safety of the system, 
         [0032]    In one embodiment of the current invention, a metal layer is provided to cover the function module surface that faces the module-bearing platform  15 . The function modules  20  can be standardized in uniform size and attached to the module-bearing platform  15  by ways of physical embedding, riveting, screwing, clasping, or adhesion, among other methods. Alternatively, the function modules  20  can be made into varying sizes and placed onto the module-beating platform  15 . In some embodiments, the function modules  20  are permanently attached to the platform  15 . In other embodiments, the function modules  20  can be added to or removed from the module-bearing platform  15  based on needs. When the attachment of the function modules to the module-bearing platform is detachable and reversible, one or more function modules can be easily secured into or removed from the platform, based on user&#39;s preference or application environment. 
         [0033]    In one embodiment of the present invention, the strong current conductive wire is configured to be electrically coupleable to one or more function modules  20 . The strong current conductive wire is also electrically coupleable to an external power source such as power mains, distribution mains, and a power line, thus the strong current conductive wire can provide the one or more function modules  20  with strong current electric power. In some embodiments all function modules  20  are configured to couple to an external power source; in other embodiments none of the function modules  20  are coupled to the external power source. As shown in  FIG. 3 , a function module  20  configured to be electrically interfaced with the external power source is provided with a hot wire contact interface  32 , a ground wire interface  33 , and a neutral wire interface  34 , the latter three are operable to become electrically interfaced with the hot wire  18 H, the ground wire  18 D, and the neutral wire  18 L, respectively. The electric coupling can be activated either by attaching the function module  20  to the platform  15 , or through an on/off trigger such as a push button. In addition, one or more function modules  20  can communicate data with background server through the network cable  21  that links the one or more function modules to the background server. 
         [0034]    In one embodiment, the plurality of the function modules  20  include at least one power source switching module, which can be connected to the strong current conductive wire and operable to convert strong current electric power into weak current electric power required for some other function modules  20 . As shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , the power source switching module acquires strong current electric power though connections between the hot, wire contact interface  32  to hot wire  18 H, the ground wire contact interface  33  to the ground wire  18 D, and the neutral wire contact interface  34  to the neutral wire  18 L, respectively. The power source switching module convert the strong current electric power, such as 110V, 60 Hz electricity, into weak current electric power, such as 5V or 20V direct current. The power source switching module has one or more weak current contact interface  35  that are configured electrically interface with the weak current conductive wire  19  located within the weak current wire tunnel  12 , and can provide weak current electric power, such as 5V or 20 V direct current, to other function modules that are electrically coupled to the weak current conductive wire  19  through their own weak current contact interface  35 . 
         [0035]    Weak current refers to electric current of extra low voltage such as 5V or 20V. Weak currents are widely used to operate many electrical engineering systems in human habitation, including fire alarm detection system, audiovisual systems, building automation and building management system, master clock system, nurse call system, public address system, security systems, data networks systems, and telephone systems. 
         [0036]    In one embodiment, one or more function modules  20  can be a wireless transceiver that transmit or receive wireless data. The wireless transceiver is connected with the background server via the network cable  21 . Thus, if other function modules need to communicate with a wireless communication equipment, the wireless transceiver can fulfill the need by both communicating with the wireless communication equipment wirelessly and communicating with the other function modules through wire. In some embodiments, wireless transceiver can be WIFI wireless transceiver, Zigbee wireless transceiver, Z-Wave wireless transceiver, Bluetooth wireless transceiver, and infrared wireless transceiver such as infrared controller. 
         [0037]    In one embodiment, one or more function modules  20  are data collection module, function execution module, or a combination thereof The data collection module transfers collected data to the background server via the network cable or  21 , and the background server processes and analyzes the collected data. After processing and analyzing, instructions are sent, to the function execution module via the network cable  21  when needed. In another embodiment, a data collection module may be equipped with a data processer and perform initial analyses and processing before sending out the processed data to the background server via the network cable  21 . In still another embodiment, a data collection module may be provided with a data processer, perform analyses and processing on collected data, and directly transmit via the network cable  21  commands or instructions to the function execution module, bypassing the background server. In yet another embodiment, the data collection model and the function execution model are integrated into one and same function module. Data collection module includes senor modules used in human habitations, such as light collection module, environmental data collection module, weather and climate data collection module, voice and phonics collection module, human behavior data collection module, and video data collection module, among others. 
         [0038]    In one embodiment, function modules that vary both structurally and functionally are used. As shown in  FIG. 4 , one type of function module is limited to acquiring electric power from power lines, such as a socket or receptacle. This type of function module has the hot wire contact interface  32  configured to couple to the hot wire  18 H, the ground wire contact interface  33  configured to couple to the ground wire  18 D, and the neutral wire contact interface  34  configured to couple to the neutral wire  18 L, respectively. As shown in  FIG. 5 , another type of function module is specialized for communicating with background servers. This type of function module has the weak current contact interface  35  configured to electrically link to the weak current conductive wire  19  in order to get weak current electric power. This type of function module also has the network cable interface  36  configured to link to a network cable  21  and transmits data to a background server. Examples of this type of function modules include gas sensors. As shown in  FIG. 6 , still another type of function module is a weak current electric power outlet, such as USB outlet, that has a weak current contact interface  35  configured to interface with weak current conductive wire  19  to conduct weak current electric power. As shown in  FIG. 7 , yet another type of function module has its own power source and network cable interface  36  that is configured to connect to the network cable  21 . Examples of this type of function modules includes many data collection modules and execution modules. Other combinations, formats, and variations are possible. 
         [0039]    Network cables are network hardware used to connect one network device to other network devices or to connect server or computers to each other or to a network device. In all embodiments of the present invention, industrial buses can be used in lieu of network cables. In some embodiments, different types of network cables, such as Ether net, coaxial cable, twisted pair cables, fiber optic cable and optical fiber cable can be used. Through the network cables  21 , the function modules can communicate not only with the background server that hosts the central logic of a home system, but also among different modules themselves, providing enhanced design flexibility. Wireless communication can also be incorporated into the wired communication in the system. The function modules, interconnected in the system, can act in response to instructions sent, from the background server, based on modules&#39; own logic, environmental cues, or status of other function modules. The communication can be stats, instructions and data. The protocol for communication on cables can be TCP/IP, UDP and any other types. The wireless communication protocol can be WIFI, Zigbee, and any other protocols. 
         [0040]    As described, a wiring system is disclosed that includes a module-bearing platform  15  and a plurality of function modules  20  used in human habitation that are attached to the platform  15 . The plurality of function modules is connected to weak current conductive wire  19  and a network cable  21  through physical wires, Such a configuration solves the instability problem prevalent in wireless communication of smart home system. The device disclosed in the present invention also has strong safety features when applied in human habitation and enhances compatibility. Finally, the device disclosed in the present invention has great scalability since various function modules can be added or removed easily based on user&#39;s needs. 
         [0041]    A method is disclosed for efficiently providing access to strong current electric power, weak current electric power, and wired communicating network to a human habitation. The steps for the methods are: proving a module-bearing platform  15 ; attaching a plurality of function modules  20  to the platform  15 , wherein the platform  15  and the plurality of the function modules  20  encloses a wire pathway that is further divided into a strong current wire tunnel  11  and a weak current wire tunnel  12 ; installing, within the strong current wire tunnel  11 , a strong current conductive wire operable to be electrically coupled to a power line, wherein at least one of the function modules  20  is configured to be electrically linked to the strong current conductive wire; installing a weak current conductive wire  19  within the weak current wire tunnel  11 , and providing a network cable  21  located within the wire duct  13  and, configured to connect to a background server. 
         [0042]    In one embodiment, the method includes placing most of the weak current conductive wire  19  through the wire duct  13 , reducing electro-magnetic interference caused by a large number of the weak current conductive wire  19 . In one embodiment, the method further reduces interference by providing metal plates to separate the strong current wire tunnel  11  and the weak current wire tunnel  12 , and applying a metal layer to surfaces of the function modules that face the platform  15 . The function modules  20  can be reversibly secured to the module-bearing platform  15  by a method chosen from the group of physical embedding, riveting, screwing, clasping, and adhesion. Users can add a function module or remove one of the secured function modules based on need. 
         [0043]    In one embodiment, a function module is provided that converts strong current, electric power to weak current electric power. Some of the plurality of the function modules  20  is connected to the weak current conductive wire  19  to acquire weak current electric power, Some of the plurality of the function modules is connected to the network cable  21  to transmit signal or instruction. 
         [0044]    While the invention has been particularly shown and described as referenced to the embodiments thereof, those skilled in the art will understand that the foregoing and other changes in form and detail may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope. The embodiments described above are preferred embodiments of the present invention, but the embodiments of the present invention are not limited to the above-described embodiments, and other changes, modifications, substitutions, combinations, abbreviations, and equivalents may be made without departing from the spirit and principle of the present invention, and are to be construed as equivalent permutations and are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention.