Electro-Optical Cable Power-Line Control for Device Status Switching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current communication systems lack functional diversity in device operations, primarily due to the simplicity of signal transmission through electro-optical composite cables, which only transmit direct current and data signals without enabling advanced device control or status switching.

Innovation Solution

Implementing alternating-current signals on the power supply cable of electro-optical composite cables to control device status switching, allowing for enriched device functionality by superimposing these signals with direct current without interference, and enabling feedback mechanisms for device status monitoring.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If only direct current is transmitted through the power supply cable, then the transmission is simple and reliable, but device functionality remains simple and limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice functionalityVSAvoidsignal transmission complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines direct current (for power supply) and alternating current signals (for control and status indication) into a single power supply cable transmission system. The power supply cable simultaneously carries both the direct current for powering devices and the alternating current signals for controlling device status switching, thereby enriching device functionality without requiring separate control cables.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The power supply cable is transformed from a single-function power transmission medium into a multi-functional communication and control channel. It can transmit both power (direct current) and control information (alternating current signals), enabling the cable to serve multiple purposes: power supply, status indication, and device control, thus resolving the contradiction between functionality and complexity.

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

2Adaptability or versatility

If alternating-current signals are superimposed on the power supply cable with direct current, then device control functionality is enriched, but signal transmission complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice control capabilityVSAvoidsignal transmission structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses alternating current signals with specific frequencies (50Hz or 60Hz) superimposed on the direct current in the power supply cable. The periodic nature of the alternating current allows for clear distinction between power transmission and control signal transmission, enabling device control functionality while maintaining manageable signal transmission complexity through standard AC frequency conventions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

3Ease of operation

If the power supply cable transmits both direct current and alternating-current signals, then device status switching control is enabled, but the cable must handle multiple signal types simultaneously

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice status switching controlVSAvoidsignal transmission requirements
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where alternating current signals are transmitted through the power supply cable to indicate device status (such as operational state, error conditions, or power levels). The receiving end detects these AC signal variations and provides feedback information, enabling bidirectional communication and simplified device status switching control without requiring complex separate communication infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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 effective simultaneous transmission of alternating-current signals and direct current, facilitating advanced device control and status switching, enhancing system functionality and efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

the first alternating-current signal and the direct current may be superimposed on the power supply cable and transmitted to the second device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSuperposition:

Data Source

PatentEP4175234B1Device controlling method, and device and communication system
Publication Date: 2025.12.31 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD
  • EP4175234B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4175234B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4175234B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

This application discloses a device control method, a device, and a communication system, and relates to the field of communication technologies. The communication system includes a first device and a second device that are connected through an electro-optical composite cable. The electro-optical composite cable includes an optical fiber and a power supply cable, where the optical fiber is used to transmit a data signal, and the power supply cable is used to transmit a direct current. The first device is configured to send a first alternating-current signal to the second device through the power supply cable. The second device is configured to switch a running status based on the first alternating-current signal. The first alternating-current signal indicates the second device to switch the running status. This application is used for the communication system, and can resolve a problem that functions of devices in a current communication system are simple, and enrich functions of the first device and the second device in the communication system.