Electronic Switch Device for Gateway Equipment Power Failure

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing switch devices in gateway equipment for VOIP technology face issues such as audible noise, limited lifetime, unstable mechanical contacting, and large size, which affect the quality and reliability of switching between VOIP and conventional voice calls, especially during power outages.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of an electronic switch device with a power unit generating a work voltage from the FXO port to power the switch, comprising a first and second switch unit that seamlessly switch between VOIP and FXO connections, ensuring continuous communication without conflicts between call types.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If an electromagnetic switch device is used to switch between VOIP and FXO connections, then the switching function is achieved, but audible noise is generated and the device has limited lifetime

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveswitching reliabilityVSAvoidaudible noise

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the electromagnetic switch device (mechanical system) with an electronic switching circuit consisting of transistors and resistors. This substitution eliminates the mechanical moving parts that generate audible noise and have limited lifetime, while achieving the same switching function between VOIP and FXO connections through electronic control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If an electromagnetic switch device is used for switching, then the switching function is achieved, but the mechanical contacting stability is difficult to ensure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontacting stabilityVSAvoidmechanical structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the complex mechanical switch structure with a simple electronic circuit using transistors (Q1, Q2) and resistors (R1-R4). This electronic implementation provides stable contacting through controlled electrical connections without the wear and instability issues of mechanical contacts, while reducing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If an electromagnetic switch device is used in gateway equipment, then the switching between VOIP and conventional calls is achieved, but the device size is large and the layout is complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveswitching capabilityVSAvoidswitch device size

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the bulky electromagnetic switch device with a compact electronic switching circuit that can be implemented on a small PCB. The electronic components (transistors, resistors) occupy minimal space compared to the electromagnetic actuator, coil, and mechanical switch structure, thereby reducing the overall gateway equipment size while maintaining full switching capability between VOIP and conventional FXO calls.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Duration of action of stationary object

If an electromagnetic switch device is used, then the switching function is achieved, but the lifetime of the switch device is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveswitch device lifetimeVSAvoidswitching durability

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the electromagnetic switch with solid-state electronic switching components (transistors Q1, Q2 and resistors R1-R4) that have no moving parts. This eliminates the mechanical wear that limits the lifetime of electromagnetic switches, providing indefinite operational life limited only by component failure rates, thereby significantly improving switching durability and reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 solution provides reliable, noise-free, and long-lasting switching between VOIP and conventional voice calls, ensuring uninterrupted communication and improved gateway equipment performance with reduced size and complexity.

Implementation Method 1

a power unit (381) connected to the FXO port (320) to generate a work voltage Vfxo for the switch (382)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPower conversion:

Data Source

PatentEP3318022B1Switch device for use in gateway equipment and gateway equipment

Publication Date: 2021.08.18 INTERDIGITAL CE PATENT HOLDINGS SAS

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AI summary

A switch device for use in a gateway equipment and a gateway equipment comprising the switch device are suggested. The suggested switch comprises a Foreign Exchange Station (FXS) port configured to be connected to a telephone set, a Foreign Exchange Office (FXO) port connected to communicate analog voice signals with an external network, and a Voice over Internet Protocol (VOIP) unit configured to communicate digital data signals with the external network and enable a VOIP call using the digital data signals. The switch device comprises a switch configured to, when the gateway equipment is power down, connect the FXS port to the FXO port. The switch device also comprises a power unit configured to generate a work voltage from the analog voice signals at the FXO port to provide a power supply to the switch.