Communication adapter
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing communication adapters do not notify external management devices of power supply interruptions, leading to unrecognized disruptions.
Innovation Solution
A communication adapter with a power storage unit, a communication unit, and a control unit that can communicate with external management devices, featuring variable capacity limits and a power saving mode to notify power supply interruptions and conserve energy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the communication adapter uses a fixed capacity lower limit for the power storage, then the device structure is simple, but the adapter cannot reliably notify power supply interruptions to external management devices when power is interrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the lower limit capacity value variable based on power supply status. The control unit switches between a first lower limit capacity value (when power is supplied) and a second lower limit capacity value (when power is interrupted), allowing the system to adapt its operational parameters to different power conditions and ensure reliable notification while managing power storage effectively.
2Reliability
If the control unit continues communication operations after power supply interruption, then notification reliability is maintained, but power consumption increases and depletes the power storage faster
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by enabling the communication unit to operate intermittently rather than continuously after power interruption. The control unit manages communication operations within the constraints of the second lower limit capacity value, allowing periodic notifications to be sent while conserving power storage, rather than maintaining continuous communication that would deplete power rapidly.
3Duration of action of moving object
If the lower limit capacity value is set low to extend communication time after power interruption, then power storage utilization is maximized, but the power storage may be depleted before completing necessary notifications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by establishing two distinct lower limit capacity values in advance: a first value for normal operation and a second value for power interruption scenarios. This pre-configured dual-threshold system ensures that when power is interrupted, the communication unit has sufficient power storage capacity (second lower limit) to complete necessary notifications, while still extending operational duration compared to using a single high threshold.
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
The adapter reliably notifies external management devices of power supply interruptions and conserves power by switching to a saving mode, ensuring continuous notification until the power storage capacity reaches a predefined low level.
Implementation Method 1
a power storage configured to receive power supply from an external device and store power
Data Source
AI summary
A communication adapter that can notify occurrence of power supply interruption to external management device in response to power supply interruption is provided. The communication adapter includes a power storage configured to receive power supply from an external device and store power, a communication unit configured to receive power supply from the power storage, and a control unit capable of communicating with an external management device via the communication unit. A capacity of the power storage for the control unit to communicate with the external management device has variable lower limit. Lower limit of the capacity of the power storage while the power storage is receiving power supply from the external device is first capacity value. Lower limit of the capacity of the power storage in a case of power supply to the power storage from the external device being interrupted is second capacity value lower than first capacity value.