Modular Power Wiring Network for Portable Power Line Communication

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing power line communication systems require infrastructure connection, limiting device portability and convenience.

Innovation Solution

A power wiring network apparatus utilizing energy harvesting elements and load elements with transmitters and receivers for data transmission and reception over power lines, enabling high-speed communication and network management without the need for infrastructure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If power line communication is implemented by connecting communication apparatuses to the power line infrastructure, then data transmission capability is improved, but device portability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata transmission capabilityVSAvoiddevice portability

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the power distribution network into multiple communication domains by introducing communication-coupling devices at distribution boards. Each segment can independently perform power line communication, allowing portable devices to join the network dynamically without requiring fixed infrastructure connections. The segmentation enables flexible network topology where devices can be added or removed freely.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Communication-coupling devices serve as intermediaries between the power distribution infrastructure and portable communication devices. These coupling devices provide the necessary interface functionality, enabling data transmission over power lines while allowing portable devices to connect and disconnect freely without affecting the core infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If communication apparatuses are fixedly connected to power line infrastructure, then communication stability is improved, but system flexibility deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication stabilityVSAvoidnetwork configuration flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The network topology is made dynamic through portable communication devices that can be freely connected and disconnected from the power line network. The communication-coupling devices manage these dynamic connections, maintaining communication stability through proper signal handling while adapting to changing network configurations as devices are added or removed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The power distribution network is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously: power delivery and data communication. The communication-coupling devices enable the network to adapt to various configuration scenarios, supporting both fixed infrastructure connections and portable device connections, thereby achieving versatility in network deployment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Speed

If power line communication is used for high-speed data transmission, then communication speed is improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication speedVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The communication-coupling devices harvest energy from the power distribution lines themselves to power the communication functions. By utilizing the existing power infrastructure for both power delivery and communication energy needs, the system achieves high-speed data transmission without requiring additional energy sources, thereby reducing overall energy consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 portable power networks with efficient data sharing and network management, allowing for flexible network configurations and wireless communication with devices like smartphones.

Implementation Method 1

an energy harvesting element 60 including a solar cell 16

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotovoltaic effect: Photovoltaic Effect

Implementation Method 2

a first transmitter 120 configured to transmit data via the first connector 20a and/or the second connector 20b

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic modulation: Phase Modulation

Implementation Method 3

a receiver 140 configured to receive data

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic demodulation: Phase Modulation

Data Source

PatentEP3780402B1Power distribution network device

Publication Date: 2025.10.08 ZEON CORP

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AI summary

The present disclosure aims to provide a power wiring network apparatus capable of constructing a highly portable power wiring network, without the need to maintain infrastructure. A power wiring network apparatus (1) of the present disclosure includes circuit elements each including a first connector (20a), a second connector (20b), and a conductive portion (40) electrically connecting the first connector (20a) and the second connector (20b). The circuit elements include energy harvesting elements (60) as circuit elements capable of outputting power generated by energy harvesting and load elements (70) as circuit elements capable of consuming inputted power. The circuit elements are mechanically and electrically attachable via the first connector (20a) and second connector (20b). At least some energy harvesting elements (60) and load elements (70) are capable of power line data communication via a power line including the first connector (20a), second connector (20b), and conductive portion (40).