Coupler-Antenna Communication Circuit Without Radio Conversion

Solution Overview

Problem

The existing electricity meter with both power line communication and radio communication circuits results in increased cost and circuit size.

Innovation Solution

A communication apparatus utilizing a coupler connected to a cable and an antenna that relays wired communication signals without the need for radio conversion circuits, facilitating direct transmission and reception of power line communication signals between devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If both power line communication circuit and radio communication circuit are included, then communication versatility is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication versatilityVSAvoidcircuit size

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The antenna is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as both a radio communication antenna and a power line communication signal transmission/ reception antenna. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated circuits for each communication mode, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining communication versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

A coupler is introduced as an intermediary component that enables the antenna to interface with both radio frequency signals and power line communication signals. The coupler facilitates signal conversion and transmission between different communication modes through the same antenna structure, allowing a single antenna to replace what would traditionally require separate dedicated antennas and circuits.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If both power line communication circuit and radio communication circuit are included, then communication versatility is improved, but cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication versatilityVSAvoidcost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The antenna is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as both a radio communication antenna and a power line communication signal transmission/ reception antenna. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated circuits for each communication mode, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining communication versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the radio communication antenna and power line communication antenna into a single unified antenna structure. This consolidation reduces the number of components that need to be manufactured, assembled, and tested, thereby lowering production costs while maintaining the ability to perform both communication functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If radio conversion circuits are used for signal transmission, then communication range is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication rangeVSAvoidcircuit size

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A coupler is introduced as an intermediary component that enables the antenna to interface with both radio frequency signals and power line communication signals. The coupler facilitates signal conversion and transmission between different communication modes through the same antenna structure, allowing a single antenna to replace what would traditionally require separate dedicated antennas and circuits.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

This approach reduces circuit size and cost by eliminating the need for radio conversion circuits, enabling efficient and cost-effective communication.

Implementation Method 1

an antenna that is connected to the coupler, radiates a signal of the wired communication scheme to a second communication apparatus

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

receives a signal of the wired communication scheme from the second communication apparatus

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS20260031854A1Communication apparatus

Publication Date: 2026.01.29 PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO LTD

AI summary

A communication apparatus includes a coupler that is connected to a first cable and a second cable and includes a point where the first cable and the second cable diverge; communication circuitry that is connected to the coupler; and a housing that stores the coupler and the communication circuitry, wherein, the coupler: outputs, to the first cable and the second cable, a signal of a wired communication scheme outputted from the communication circuitry, transmits, via the first cable and a cable connected to the first cable, the signal of the wired communication scheme to a first communication apparatus connected to the cable, and transmits the signal of the wired communication scheme to a second communication apparatus via the second cable and an antenna connected to the second cable.