Powering Accessories via Communication Bus Signal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Accessories for standardized components, such as video transmitters for weapon sights and night-vision goggles, typically require external power sources, which can lead to mechanical risks and limitations in mobility and flexibility due to hard-wiring.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that utilize a communication device with an auto-shutdown mechanism in the standardized component to provide power to the accessory component by generating a transmit signal, allowing the accessory to operate without a dedicated power source, using a data input port and power input port configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If accessories are hard-wired into an external power source, then power supply is reliable, but mobility and flexibility are limited and mechanical risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical hard-wired power connection with an electrical power transfer through the communication bus. The accessory component receives power electronically through the data communication interface rather than through mechanical wire connections, eliminating the physical constraints while maintaining power supply reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The communication bus serves dual functions: data communication and power transfer. By making the bus universal for both purposes, the system eliminates the need for separate power wiring, thereby improving mobility and flexibility while maintaining reliable power supply to the accessory component.
2Power
If accessories require external power sources, then power availability is sufficient, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the power delivery function with the existing data communication function by utilizing the same bus for both purposes. This consolidation eliminates separate power wiring and external power source connections, reducing system complexity while maintaining sufficient power availability for the accessory component.
Solution Approach 2:
The standardized component provides power to the accessory component through its existing communication interface without requiring external power sources. The system serves itself by utilizing its own communication bus for power delivery, thereby simplifying the overall system architecture.
3Adaptability or versatility
If accessories are integrated without power output in standardized component, then adaptability is improved, but power supply capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The communication bus is designed to serve multiple functions including data communication and power transfer. This universality allows accessories to be integrated easily into standardized components without requiring power output, while still providing power supply capability through the same bus interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The communication bus acts as an intermediary that transfers both data and power from the standardized component to the accessory component. This intermediary mechanism enables adaptability and easy integration while maintaining power supply capability without requiring direct power output connections.
Data Source
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AI summary
A receiver (104) is powered from a chip (or other device) without a power source output (102). The source (102) includes a communication device (112). The receiver (104) includes a data input port (120) and a power input port (122). The data input port is configured to receive a data signal from the transmitter or source (102). The power input port is configured to receive a transmit signal from the communication device, which can also be a data signal. The accessory component is configured to process the data signal using power provided by the transmit signal. The application consists in powering a wireless video transmitter chip for night-vision goggles.