Carrier Current Power Supply Block With Single-Cable Data Separation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing devices requiring connection to a power supply network for both AC power and data signals necessitate two electricity outlets, leading to bulky external power supply blocks and expensive combination cables.

Innovation Solution

A device design incorporating a carrier current data transmission module within the external power supply block, utilizing diverter members to separate and superpose data signals with the AC power supply current, allowing a single connection to the power network via a conventional two-wire cable.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If two separate connections are made (one for power, one for data), then reliable data transmission and power supply are achieved, but the device becomes bulky and requires two electricity outlets

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata transmission reliabilityVSAvoidpower supply block size

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the power supply function and data transmission function into a single integrated connection. The external power supply block integrates the converter, first diverter member, and transmission module into one unit that connects to the device through a single cable, eliminating the need for separate power and data connections while maintaining both functions reliably

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single connection cable serves multiple functions simultaneously: it transmits both AC power and data signals between the power supply network and the device. The integrated power supply block performs both power conversion and data transmission through this universal connection, reducing the number of outlets required from two to one

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If a combination cable with special connectors is used to integrate power and data transmission, then the number of outlets required is reduced, but the cable becomes expensive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection simplicityVSAvoidcable manufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the integration function into the external power supply block rather than requiring special connectors in the cable itself. The complex filtering and signal separation functions are implemented in the power supply block's circuitry, allowing the use of a standard, inexpensive cable while achieving the same integrated functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The external power supply block acts as an intermediary device that mediates between the standard cable and the device's dual requirements for power and data. It performs the signal processing and separation functions that would otherwise require specialized cable connectors, thereby reducing cable costs while maintaining connection simplicity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Device complexity

If the transmission module is incorporated in the external power supply block, then the device structure is simplified, but the power supply block becomes bulky

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice structureVSAvoidpower supply block volume

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the transmission module from the device's internal structure and relocates it to the external power supply block. This separation allows the transmission module to share the external power supply block's housing space, reducing the device's overall volume while maintaining structural simplification. The power supply block's existing structure accommodates the additional transmission module without significant volume increase

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables the integration of the transmission module into the device, reducing the need for a separate external transmission module and minimizing the bulk and cost of the power supply block, while maintaining effective data and power signal transmission.

Implementation Method 1

The first diverter member has a shunt connection line connecting the connection member to the electric cable and incorporating a carrier frequency filter

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFrequency filtering: Filter (electronic)

Data Source

PatentUS20110248774A1Electronic device with a carrier current

Publication Date: 2011.10.13 SAGEMCOM BROADBAND SAS

AI summary

A device comprising both a box containing an electronic central unit, and power supply module connected to the central unit. The device also includes an external power supply block connected to the module by an electric cable and provided with both a connection member for connection to a power supply network delivering AC power and a data signal superposed thereon. A converter is provided for converting the AC power. The box includes a carrier current data transmission module, the converter being connected to the connection member and to the electric cable via a first diverter member that extracts and diverts the data signal relative to the converter. The module is connected to the electric cable by a second diverter member for separating the converted power supply current and the data signal and for bringing the power supply current to the power supply module and the data signal to the transmission module.