Reception device and communication system

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing air-conditioning systems with current loop communication face noise resistance issues due to changes in circuit parameters when air conditioners are replaced, leading to inappropriate current thresholds and disrupted communication.

Innovation Solution

A reception device with a voltage application circuit, determination means, and threshold switch means that adjusts the current threshold based on communication current intensity, ensuring effective noise resistance by switching the voltage applied to the reception terminal.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a fixed resistor is installed in parallel with the light-emitting device to improve noise resistance, then the current threshold for communication current detection is increased, but when circuit parameters change (e.g., air conditioner replacement), the resistance becomes inappropriate and noise resistance decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenoise resistanceVSAvoidadaptability to circuit parameter changes
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by replacing the fixed resistor with a variable resistor whose resistance value can be dynamically adjusted. The control unit changes the resistance value of the variable resistor based on detected communication current intensity, allowing the system to adapt to different circuit parameter configurations while maintaining appropriate current thresholds for noise resistance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements parameter changes by modifying the resistance value of the variable resistor according to the communication current intensity. The control unit detects the communication current intensity during the on-control period and adjusts the resistance parameter accordingly, ensuring the current threshold remains appropriate even when circuit parameters change due to air conditioner replacement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If the resistance of the resistor is determined according to communication current intensity during on-control period, then noise resistance is improved, but the system requires additional control mechanisms and complexity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenoise resistanceVSAvoidcontrol circuit complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the self-service principle by enabling the reception device to automatically detect communication current intensity and adjust the variable resistor's resistance value without external intervention. The control unit autonomously monitors the communication current and modifies the resistance parameter accordingly, reducing the need for manual configuration while maintaining noise resistance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback by creating a closed-loop control system where the control unit detects communication current intensity and uses this information to adjust the variable resistor's resistance value. This feedback mechanism ensures the current threshold adapts to actual communication conditions, improving noise resistance while maintaining system simplicity through automated control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Adaptability or versatility

If a variable resistor is used to dynamically adjust current threshold based on communication current intensity, then adaptability to circuit parameter changes is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to circuit parameter changesVSAvoidvoltage adjustment circuit complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the merging principle by integrating the variable resistor and control unit directly into the reception device. This combination consolidates the noise resistance adjustment functionality within a single device, avoiding the need for separate external control circuits and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining adaptability to circuit parameter changes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements universality by designing the reception device to perform multiple functions: receiving communication signals, detecting communication current intensity, and adjusting the variable resistor's resistance value. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate dedicated adjustment devices, reducing system complexity while maintaining adaptability across different circuit configurations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3604950B1Reception device and communication system
Publication Date: 2023.10.25 MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORP
  • EP3604950B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3604950B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3604950B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A voltage application circuit (310) including a photocoupler (140) and a resistor (144) applies, to a reception terminal (195), a voltage corresponding to an intensity of a communication current flowing through a transmission path. A reception control unit (152) determines whether the communication current is flowing, by comparing the voltage applied to the reception terminal (195) with a predetermined voltage threshold. A voltage adjustment circuit (320) including a resistor (145) and a transistor (146) adjusts the voltage that is applied to the reception terminal (195) by the voltage application circuit (310). A switch control unit (153) switches a current threshold used for determining whether the communication current is flowing by controlling the voltage adjustment circuit (320) in accordance with an intensity of the communication current during an on-control period.