Power Line Communication Apparatus State Switching for Energy Savings

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing Power Line Communication (PLC) apparatuses face high power consumption and heat generation due to continuous conversion of AC utility power, leading to energy wastage and unstable working states, as they remain active even when not in use.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus that automatically switch the working state of the PLC apparatus based on its network and working states, allowing it to enter a sleep mode when idle and resume normal operation when busy, thereby reducing power consumption and heat generation without manual intervention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the PLC apparatus remains continuously powered on to ensure availability, then the service availability is improved, but the power consumption increases and heat generation increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveservice availabilityVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic power state adjustment by switching between working state and sleep state based on network activity detection. The system monitors network traffic and automatically transitions the power source between active conversion mode and standby mode, optimizing the balance between service availability and energy consumption rather than maintaining a fixed continuous operation state.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs periodic detection of network states to determine when to transition between power states. By continuously or periodically monitoring network activity, the system can identify idle periods and initiate sleep mode, while also ensuring rapid wake-up when traffic appears, thus achieving energy savings without significantly compromising availability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

2Reliability

If the PLC apparatus remains continuously powered on to ensure availability, then the service availability is improved, but the heat generation increases causing unstable working state

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveservice availabilityVSAvoidheat generation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The patent dynamically adjusts the power source state based on real-time network conditions, transitioning from continuous AC conversion to periodic operation. This dynamic state change reduces cumulative heat generation while maintaining the ability to provide service when needed, thereby stabilizing the working temperature and improving overall system reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system converts the potential harm of continuous operation (excessive heat) into a benefit by using the detected network idle state as a trigger to reduce power consumption. The idle detection mechanism, which could potentially cause false wake-ups, is instead used to justify entering sleep mode, transforming a possible reliability issue into an energy-saving opportunity that also reduces thermal problems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Use of energy by moving object

If the PLC apparatus is manually powered off to save energy, then the power consumption is reduced, but the operation complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidoperation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements self-service functionality where the PLC apparatus automatically monitors its own network state and decision-making process. The system independently detects idle conditions, evaluates whether to enter sleep mode, and executes the power state transition without requiring user intervention. This eliminates the need for manual power cycling while achieving energy savings, thereby reducing operational complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs feedback mechanisms where network activity information is continuously fed back to the control logic, which then adjusts the power source state accordingly. This closed-loop control ensures the system responds automatically to actual usage patterns, providing intelligent energy management without requiring user input or complex manual procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS8549340B2Power line communication apparatus and method for controlling the same
Publication Date: 2013.10.01 HUAWEI DEVICE CO LTD
  • US8549340B2 patent drawing
  • US8549340B2 patent drawing
  • US8549340B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The embodiments of the present disclosure provide a PLC apparatus and a method for controlling the PLC apparatus. The method includes: acquiring a working state and a network state of the PLC apparatus; and switching the working state of the PLC apparatus in accordance with the working state and the network state of the PLC apparatus. The PLC apparatus includes: a working state acquiring unit adapted to acquire a working state of the PLC apparatus; a network state acquiring unit adapted to acquire a network state of the PLC apparatus; a switching unit adapted to switch the working state of the PLC apparatus in accordance with the network state of the PLC apparatus acquired by the network state acquiring unit and the working state of the PLC apparatus acquired by the working state acquiring unit. The embodiments of the disclosure are used in the design of controlling the PLC apparatus.