Communication Device Power Loss Alert via Pre-stored Message

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing communication devices in electrical installations face disruptions in remote supervision and control due to power losses, as they rely on the electrical installation for power and cannot efficiently send alert messages during power failures.

Innovation Solution

A communication device that detects power loss by measuring voltage and interrupts non-essential functions to conserve energy, sending a pre-recorded alert message via a communication link using an energy reserve, such as a capacitor, to inform remote users of the power fault.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the communication device continues to operate all functions during power loss, then it can maintain normal communication operations, but the energy reserve depletes too quickly and cannot send the alert message

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvealert message transmissionVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The device pre-constructs and stores the alert message in memory before power loss occurs, so that when power is lost, the message is already ready to send without requiring energy-intensive construction during the power outage. This preliminary preparation resolves the contradiction by enabling reliable message transmission while minimizing energy consumption during the critical power loss period.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The device extracts and isolates the essential function of sending the alert message from the complete set of communication functions. By selectively maintaining only the message transmission function while suspending other non-essential operations, the device achieves reliable alert transmission with minimal energy consumption from the reserve.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Loss of information

If the communication device constructs the alert message after power loss, then the message can be customized with current status information, but the construction process consumes too much energy and time

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemessage accuracyVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The device prepares the alert message template and inserts relevant status information before power loss occurs. This preliminary construction ensures the message contains accurate, up-to-date information while avoiding the energy and time cost of constructing the message after power loss, when energy reserves are limited.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The device creates a copy of the alert message with embedded status information and stores it in memory. This copied message can be directly transmitted without further processing, preserving information accuracy while eliminating the need for energy-intensive message construction during power loss.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

3Adaptability or versatility

If the communication device maintains all functions during power loss, then it can handle unexpected situations dynamically, but the response time is delayed due to energy management constraints

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresponse flexibilityVSAvoidalert transmission delay
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The device performs preliminary detection of power loss conditions and pre-prepares the alert message before complete power failure occurs. This advance preparation eliminates delays that would otherwise occur during the power loss event, enabling immediate message transmission while maintaining the ability to adapt to different power loss scenarios.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The device skips the intermediate step of message construction and validation that would normally occur during operation, rushing directly to transmitting the pre-prepared alert message. This skipping of non-critical steps reduces transmission delay while maintaining sufficient adaptability to handle the power loss situation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #21Skipping (Rushing through)

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 faster and more energy-efficient transmission of alert messages during power failures, ensuring timely notification and reducing the risk of energy depletion before the message is sent, thereby maintaining remote supervision and control of the electrical installation.

Implementation Method 1

measuring the electrical voltage between the input terminals of a power supply circuit of the communication device, using a measuring probe, and comparing the measured voltage with a threshold voltage value

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVoltage measurement: Ohm's Law

Implementation Method 2

The communication device is temporarily powered by a backup power supply connected to the device's power supply circuit

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapacitor energy storage: Capacitance

Data Source

PatentEP3716639B1Methods and systems for supervising an electrical installation
Publication Date: 2022.07.20 SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC IND SAS
  • EP3716639B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3716639B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3716639B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

This process implemented by a communication device (2) for an electrical installation includes steps consisting of: - detecting (70) a loss of power supply to the communication device (2); then, when a loss of power supply is detected: - interrupting (72) at least part of the functions of the communication device (2), and - sending (74) an alert message to a remote equipment (RS) via a communication link, the alert message being previously stored in a memory of the communication device.