Power Line Communication Device Switching Noise Detection and Filtering

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional PLC devices occupy extra socket space and fail to effectively identify and filter out noise interference from electronic devices, which compromises network signal quality and stability.

Innovation Solution

A PLC device with a switching unit that allows switching between noise detecting and filtering functions, incorporating a filtering unit and a processing unit with a detection module to identify and filter out noise, ensuring network signal quality and stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a PLC device is connected to a power line socket to enable network signal transmission, then network connectivity is achieved, but the device occupies extra socket space preventing other appliances from being powered

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork signal transmissionVSAvoidsocket space

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines power transmission and network signal transmission functions into a single PLC device connected to one socket. The power line socket simultaneously carries both power signals and network signals through the same physical interface, eliminating the need for separate network cables and avoiding occupation of additional socket spaces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The power line socket is made multi-functional by enabling it to transmit both power and network signals through the same interface. The PLC device utilizes the existing power infrastructure to provide dual functionality, allowing the socket to serve both electrical power delivery and data communication purposes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If a filtering unit is always engaged to filter out noise from power signals, then network signal quality is improved, but noise detection capability is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork signal qualityVSAvoidnoise detection

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The switching unit dynamically changes the circuit configuration based on operational requirements. It can switch between connecting the filtering unit to the power output port (for noise filtering during normal operation) and disconnecting it (for noise detection mode), allowing the system to adapt its behavior to different operational states.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system periodically switches between filtering mode and detection mode through the switching unit. This periodic action allows the device to alternate between maintaining signal quality through filtering and detecting noise levels, enabling both functions to be performed at different time intervals rather than simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

3Adaptability or versatility

If the switching unit switches between noise detecting and filtering functions, then both noise detection and filtering capabilities are achieved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveswitching between functionsVSAvoidswitching unit structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The switching function is extracted as a separate, dedicated switching unit that independently controls the connection state of the filtering unit. This modular extraction simplifies the overall control logic by isolating the switching mechanism from other device functions, making the complexity localized and manageable rather than distributed throughout the entire device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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

The device effectively detects and filters noise, ensuring stable and high-quality network signal transmission by selectively engaging the filtering unit based on detected noise levels, thus optimizing network performance without occupying additional socket space.

Implementation Method 1

the filtering unit is able to filter out the noise generated by the load

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFiltering: Filter (electronic)

Implementation Method 2

the processing unit is able to detect the level of noise generated in the power signal by a load

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectNoise detection:

Data Source

PatentUS9281867B2Power line communication device switchable between noise detecting and filtering functions

Publication Date: 2016.03.08 D-LINK CORP

AI summary

The present invention is to provide a PLC device, which includes a power receiving port connected to a power supply for receiving a power signal and a network signal carried by the power signal; a filtering unit having a first end connected to the power receiving port; a power output port connected to a second end of the filtering unit and a load, respectively, for supplying the power signal to the load while the filtering unit filters out noise generated in the power signal by the load; a switching unit having two connecting ends connecting to the first and second ends, respectively, and a control end switchable between the two connecting ends; and a processing unit connected to the control end and including a bridge module for receiving and then transmitting the network signal to a network apparatus, and a detection module for detecting the level of the noise.