Multifrequency Device Mains Cable Antenna Safety

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing multifrequency devices face challenges in using a mains cable as an antenna for radiofrequency signals due to safety concerns with phase conductors connected to electrical networks, and aesthetics issues with external antennas, while also requiring multiple antennas for different frequencies.

Innovation Solution

A multifrequency device connected to an electrical power supply network using both a phase and neutral conductor as antennas, with tuning circuits and decoupling means to block low-frequency power signals and allow high-frequency radiofrequency signal propagation, ensuring safety and aesthetics.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a phase conductor connected to the electrical network is used as an antenna for radiofrequency signals, then multifrequency transmission and reception is enabled, but safety risks arise due to the high voltage of the electrical supply network

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemultifrequency transmission capabilityVSAvoidelectrical safety risk
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A coupling circuit is introduced as an intermediary component between the phase conductor and the radiofrequency module. This coupling circuit selectively couples radiofrequency signals while blocking dangerous power frequencies, enabling safe multifrequency communication without direct exposure to high voltage

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The coupling circuit is designed to respond differently to different frequency parameters - it blocks low-frequency power signals (50/60Hz) while allowing high-frequency radiofrequency signals to pass through, thus transforming the same conductor into a safe multifrequency antenna

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If an external antenna is used to maintain sensitivity, then radiofrequency transmission range is improved, but aesthetic appearance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveradiofrequency sensitivityVSAvoidaesthetic appearance
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The existing mains cable conductors are merged with the antenna function, combining power transmission and radiofrequency communication into a single integrated structure, eliminating the need for separate external antennas

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The mains cable conductors serve multiple functions simultaneously - they transmit electrical power and also function as antennas for radiofrequency signals, achieving multi-functionality without adding external components

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

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple antennas are used for different frequencies, then multifrequency capability is achieved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemultifrequency operationVSAvoidnumber of antennas
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The same conductor serves as a universal antenna for multiple different radiofrequency signals, eliminating the need for separate antennas for each frequency and significantly reducing device complexity

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

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple antenna functions for different frequencies are merged into a single conductor structure, achieving multifrequency capability without multiplying the number of physical antenna elements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 the reception and transmission of radioelectric signals on multiple frequencies while protecting the radiofrequency module from electrical power supply network currents, simplifying device design and operation.

Implementation Method 1

at least a first and a second tuning circuit configured to block the propagation of radiofrequency signals propagating respectively on the first and the second conductor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFrequency filtering: Filter (electronic)

Implementation Method 2

decoupling means configured to stop the propagation of electric power signals between the first and second conductors and between at least one conductor and an input/output port of the radiofrequency module

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical decoupling: Capacitance

Implementation Method 3

a multifrequency device configured to be connected by at least a first and a second conductor to an electrical power supply network

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentEP3559924B1Multifrequency device, controlling and/or monitoring device, associated multifrequency system and piece of home-automation equipment
Publication Date: 2020.12.30 SOMFY ACTIVITES SA
  • EP3559924B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP3559924B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

This multifrequency device (10) is configured to be connected via at least two conductors (121, 122) to an electricity supply grid (11). This device comprises: at least one radiofrequency module (13) comprising at least one first and one second input/output port (131, 132), which ports are able to emit and/or receive radiofrequency signals at two different frequencies; and at least two matching circuits (14, 15) that are configured to block the propagation of radiofrequency signals propagating over the conductors, each matching circuit comprising a plurality of terminals. One terminal (141, 151) of each matching circuit is connected to the first conductor or to the second conductor. One terminal (142, 151) of each matching circuit is connected to the first input/output port or to the second input/output port of the radiofrequency module. This device also comprises decoupling means (C1, C2) that are configured to stop the propagation of electrical supply signals between the conductors and between at least one conductor and an input/output port of the radiofrequency module.