PoE Power Supply Voltage Signaling for Emergency Lighting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Power over Ethernet (PoE) systems lack an effective method to detect and trigger emergency operation modes for lighting means, which is crucial for optimizing power consumption during emergency situations.

Innovation Solution

A power supply module with detection and voltage supply means that differentiate between normal and emergency operation modes by supplying distinct voltages via a data cable to determine and trigger the operation module to adjust lighting means accordingly, ensuring efficient power management.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If PoE systems use standard voltage supply for all operation modes, then the system structure remains simple, but the ability to detect and trigger emergency operation modes is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveemergency operation mode detectionVSAvoidvoltage supply and detection mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by using different voltage levels to represent different operation modes. The PSE supplies a first voltage level during normal operation and a second different voltage level during emergency operation, allowing the PD to detect and respond to the mode change through voltage level differentiation without requiring additional communication protocols or signaling mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The voltage signal serves as an intermediary between the PSE and PD for mode indication. Instead of direct communication or additional control lines, the patent uses the power supply voltage itself as the carrier of operational mode information, enabling the PD to infer the operation mode from the voltage level it receives.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Use of energy by moving object

If PoE systems implement emergency operation mode signaling, then power consumption optimization during emergencies is achieved, but the detection and triggering mechanism becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower consumption optimizationVSAvoiddetection and triggering mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The PD performs self-detection of the operation mode by monitoring the voltage level it receives from the PSE. The device automatically determines whether it is in normal or emergency operation based on the voltage level, and autonomously adjusts its power consumption accordingly without requiring external control signals or complex triggering mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses voltage level as a parameter to convey operational mode information. By changing the voltage level supplied by the PSE, the system enables the PD to optimize its power consumption based on the detected voltage level, achieving energy efficiency during emergency operations through simple parameter-based signaling.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Measurement precision

If distinct voltage levels are used to differentiate operation modes, then emergency mode detection accuracy is improved, but the power supply module complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperation mode detection accuracyVSAvoidpower supply module
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The PSE performs multiple functions using the same power supply mechanism. It not only supplies power to the PD but also communicates operational mode information through the voltage level it supplies. This multi-functionality allows the PSE to maintain simple hardware while achieving both power delivery and mode indication through the same voltage supply path.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses voltage level parameter changes to encode operational mode information. By varying the voltage level supplied to the PD, the PSE enables accurate detection of operation modes without requiring additional communication hardware or complex control circuits, maintaining simplicity while improving detection accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3318006B1Emergency signaling for power over ethernet systems
Publication Date: 2019.10.16 TRIDONIC GMBH & CO KG
  • EP3318006B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3318006B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3318006B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention is in the field of Power over Ethernet (PoE) systems comprising a power supply module and an operation module with an emergency operation mode for operating lighting means, wherein the power supply module supplies a supply voltage via a data cable to the operation module. Especially, the present invention relates to power supply modules, preferably Power Sourcing Equipments (PSE) according to the PoE standard; operation modules with an emergency operation mode, preferably Powered devices (PD) according to the PoE standard; PoE systems, comprising such power supply modules and operation modules; and a detection method for detecting whether an operation module is arranged for operating lighting means in an emergency operation mode as well as an emergency operation mode triggering method for triggering an operation module to operate lighting means in an emergency operation mode.