Power Over Ethernet Terminal Activation Controller

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Solution Overview

Problem

Power over cable systems face limitations in power distribution due to current limitations at ports, leading to unpredictable system reboots and power failures when devices are added or removed, causing endless shutdowns and reboots.

Innovation Solution

A low voltage controller is used to determine when a terminal can be activated based on available power, setting activation and deactivation thresholds to prevent simultaneous startup and ensure stable operation by prioritizing existing devices and managing power consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If power is supplied to all devices connected to a PSE port, then all devices can operate, but power overrun may cause port shutdown and endless reboot loops

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice operationVSAvoidsystem stability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The controller performs preliminary actions by detecting the activation state of terminals and calculating predicted power consumption before power distribution occurs. This allows the system to anticipate power requirements and prevent power overrun conditions before they cause port shutdowns and reboot loops.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback mechanisms where the controller continuously monitors terminal activation states and power consumption, adjusting power distribution decisions based on real-time system conditions. This feedback loop prevents power overrun by adapting to changing device states and preventing shutdown conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If power distribution is limited to prevent power overrun, then system stability is maintained, but available power for devices is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem stabilityVSAvoidavailable power
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The power distribution system dynamically adjusts available power based on real-time terminal activation states and predicted power consumption. Rather than using fixed power limits, the system adapts power allocation to match actual device needs, maintaining system stability while maximizing available power for operational devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The controller changes power distribution parameters based on terminal activation states and predicted consumption. By dynamically modifying power allocation parameters according to system conditions, the system maintains stability thresholds while optimizing power delivery to prevent unnecessary restrictions on available power.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If devices are allowed to startup simultaneously, then all devices can activate, but power consumption may exceed port limits causing shutdown

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice activationVSAvoidpower overrun
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The controller performs preliminary detection of terminal activation states and calculation of predicted power consumption before allowing device startup. This preliminary assessment prevents simultaneous activation that would exceed power limits by identifying and managing power requirements in advance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system applies preliminary anti-action by preventing device activation when predicted power consumption would exceed port limits. The controller proactively blocks startup attempts that would cause power overrun, rather than allowing the condition to develop and then responding with shutdowns.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

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

This solution prevents endless reboot loops and ensures stable operation by controlling terminal activation and deactivation based on available power, prioritizing existing devices and managing power consumption effectively.

Implementation Method 1

a sensing unit configured to measure an input voltage at an input of the powered device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVoltage measurement: Ohm's Law

Implementation Method 2

the total power consumption on one network segment is the accumulation of the power consumption of each device and the power dissipated in the cable due to the resistivity of the cable (Joule effect)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectJoule effect: Joule Heating

Data Source

PatentEP3588845B1Method and device for controlling activation of a terminal
Publication Date: 2023.06.07 CANON KK
  • EP3588845B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP3588845B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5b
  • EP3588845B1 patent drawingFigure 5c~6

AI summary

The invention relates to a method and controller for controlling activation of a terminal connected to a power source equipment in a power over cable system, the method comprising: determining whether a voltage condition enabling the terminal to be activated is fulfilled; and if the voltage condition is fulfilled, setting a time delay for activating the terminal; and activating the terminal after the time delay has elapsed.