Power Line Communication Coupler for Disconnected Service Lines
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Utility companies cannot communicate with appliances or devices on circuits internal to a site via power line communications (PLC) once electricity service is disconnected, as the service switch opens, preventing further communication.
Innovation Solution
A network communication device, such as an electricity meter, includes a PLC module with a monitor that maintains electrical connection with the circuit internal to the site even when service is disconnected, using switches or capacitors to facilitate continuous PLC communication, allowing for message reception from devices on the circuit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the service switch is opened to disconnect electricity service to the site, then electricity disconnection is achieved, but PLC communication with devices on circuits internal to the site is prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the service switch into two separate functions: a power switch that disconnects electricity service and a PLC coupler that maintains communication capability. The PLC coupler remains electrically connected to the circuit internal to the site even when the power switch opens, allowing PLC messages to be received while electricity service is disconnected.
Solution Approach 2:
The PLC coupler acts as an intermediary component that bridges the utility company's communication network and devices on circuits internal to the site. It maintains an electrical connection through the open service switch, enabling message transmission without requiring continuous power flow through the service switch.
2Loss of information
If the service switch remains closed to maintain PLC communication, then communication capability is preserved, but electricity service cannot be disconnected
Solution Approach 1:
The service switch is divided into separate functional components: a power switch for controlling electricity service and a PLC coupler for maintaining communication. This segmentation allows the power switch to open for disconnection while the PLC coupler remains connected for communication purposes.
Solution Approach 2:
The PLC coupler serves as an intermediary that maintains the communication path independently of the power switch position, enabling communication functionality to be decoupled from power service control.
3Device complexity
If a single switch controls both power service and PLC communication, then device complexity is reduced, but communication capability is lost when power is disconnected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single switch control structure into separate components: a power switch for electrical service control and a PLC coupler for communication maintenance. This segmentation increases component count but resolves the functional conflict between power disconnection and communication continuity.
Solution Approach 2:
The PLC coupler is designed to perform multiple functions: it couples PLC messages during normal operation and maintains communication capability during service disconnection. This multi-functionality allows a single component to serve both operational modes without requiring separate systems.
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 communication with devices on a circuit internal to a site even when electricity service is disconnected, allowing for requests to reconnect service, receiving notifications about hazardous conditions, and monitoring device status, enhancing functionality and user interaction.
Implementation Method 1
using switches or capacitors to facilitate continuous PLC communication
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3D
AI summary
A network communication device, such as an electricity meter, is configured to communicate with devices on a circuit internal to a site via power line communication (PLC), even when electricity service to the site is disconnected. The network communication device is configured to monitor one or more circuits internal to the site and to receive power line communications from the device(s) coupled to the circuit internal to the site when the site is disconnected from electricity service. A PLC module of the network communication device may include a switch-based or capacitor-based monitor that maintains a PLC coupler electrically connected with the circuit internal to the site even when electricity service to the site is disconnected.