Industrial Camera Step-Down Switching for Mixed PoE Illuminators
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Solution Overview
Problem
Industrial cameras compatible with Power over Ethernet (PoE) power supply cannot support general-purpose illuminators due to voltage incompatibility, leading to potential failures when PoE voltage is supplied to PoE-incompatible illuminators.
Innovation Solution
An industrial camera system that includes a power supply selector to identify whether an external illuminator is PoE compatible or incompatible, stepping down the PoE voltage when necessary, and using a first processor to control power distribution to ensure safe activation of both PoE-compatible and PoE-incompatible illuminators.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If PoE voltage is supplied to a PoE-incompatible illuminator, then the industrial camera can support PoE power supply, but the illuminator may fail due to voltage incompatibility
Solution Approach 1:
A step-down circuit is introduced as an intermediary component between the PoE power supply input and the illuminator. This circuit converts the high-voltage PoE power supply into a lower voltage suitable for PoE-incompatible illuminators, enabling the industrial camera to safely power both PoE-compatible and PoE-incompatible illuminators without causing damage
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes the voltage parameter based on the illuminator type. When a PoE-incompatible illuminator is detected, the step-down circuit activates to transform the voltage from PoE level to a safe operating level, while PoE-compatible illuminators receive the original PoE voltage directly
2Adaptability or versatility
If a step-down circuit is added to support PoE-incompatible illuminators, then compatibility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply system is designed with multi-functionality to handle both PoE-compatible and PoE-incompatible illuminators through a single interface. The step-down circuit and power supply selector enable the system to automatically adapt to different illuminator types, eliminating the need for separate power supply configurations
3Use of energy by moving object
If PoE voltage is used exclusively, then power supply efficiency is improved, but the ability to support general-purpose illuminators is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply system dynamically adjusts its configuration based on the connected illuminator type. The power supply selector and step-down circuit enable real-time adaptation, switching between direct PoE voltage supply and stepped-down voltage supply to match the requirements of the connected illuminator
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 PoE power supply to both compatible and incompatible illuminators without failure, enhancing versatility and compatibility with various inspection applications by combining PoE and normal switching power supplies.
Implementation Method 1
a first step-down circuit configured to step down the PoE voltage input to the PoE power supply input unit
Data Source
AI summary
An industrial camera 2 includes an interface unit 27 capable of supplying power to an external illuminator, a PoE power supply input unit 24 to which a PoE voltage is input from a PoE power supply 6B, a step-down circuit 25 that steps down the PoE voltage input to the PoE power supply input unit 24, a power supply selector 26 for supplying one of a voltage generated by the step-down circuit 25 and the PoE voltage to the external illuminator, and a processor 22 that transmits a light emission instruction to the external illuminator. The processor 22 controls the power supply selector 26 to supply the PoE voltage to the external illuminator when the external illuminator is identified as PoE compatible, and to supply the voltage generated by the step-down circuit 25 to the external illuminator when the external illuminator is identified as PoE incompatible.