Portable Power Wiring Network With Connector-Based PLC

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing power line communication systems for solar power generation require infrastructure connection, limiting device portability and convenience.

Innovation Solution

A power wiring network apparatus with energy harvesting elements, load elements, and reverse current prevention units, allowing for portable power network construction without maintaining infrastructure, using connectors for power and data communication via a power line.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If power line communication is implemented using existing infrastructure, then communication capability is achieved, but device portability is impaired

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication capabilityVSAvoiddevice portability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system is divided into independent circuit elements (energy harvesting elements, load elements, switching elements) that can be freely connected and disconnected via connectors. Each element can independently participate in power line communication without requiring fixed infrastructure installation, thereby achieving both communication capability and device portability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The connectors serve multiple functions: they establish electrical connections for power transmission and simultaneously enable data communication through the same power line. This multi-functionality allows devices to communicate without dedicated communication infrastructure, maintaining portability while achieving communication capability

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

2Ease of manufacture

If energy harvesting elements are used to generate power, then infrastructure maintenance is reduced, but reverse current protection is required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinfrastructure maintenanceVSAvoidcircuit protection requirements
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Energy harvesting elements automatically generate power from available energy sources (light, heat, etc.) without requiring external power supply infrastructure or maintenance. The reverse current prevention units are integrated into each element, providing automatic protection without adding external complexity to the overall system

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Reverse current prevention units act as intermediary protective elements between energy harvesting elements and the rest of the circuit. These units block reverse current flow while allowing forward current transmission, adding localized protection without significantly increasing overall system complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 the construction of a portable and convenient power network that allows for efficient power generation and communication, improving device mobility and reducing infrastructure needs.

Implementation Method 1

two or more energy harvesting elements (20) as circuit elements capable of outputting, from the second connector (21), power generated by energy harvesting

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEnergy harvesting: Photovoltaic Effect

Implementation Method 2

the two or more energy harvesting elements (20) each outputs power generated by energy harvesting from the second connector (21) via a reverse current prevention unit (23)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReverse current prevention: Diode

Implementation Method 3

a wiring member (10, 10') comprising a plurality of first connectors (12) and a conductive portion (11) electrically connecting the plurality of first connectors (12) in a manner capable of supplying power

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentEP3780403B1Power wiring network device
Publication Date: 2024.01.31 ZEON CORP
  • EP3780403B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3780403B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B
  • EP3780403B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B

AI summary

The present disclosure aims to provide a power wiring network apparatus capable of constructing a highly portable power wiring network, without the need to maintain infrastructure. A power wiring network apparatus (1, 2) includes a wiring member (10, 10'), including first connectors (12) and a conductive portion (11) electrically connecting the first connectors (12) to enable power supply, and circuit elements each including a second connector (21, 31, 41) mechanically and electrically attachable to any first connector (12). The circuit elements include energy harvesting elements (20) capable of outputting, from the second connector (21), power generated by energy harvesting and load elements (30) capable of consuming power inputted from the second connector (21). At least some energy harvesting elements (20) and load elements (30) are capable of power line data communication via a power line including the first connectors (12) and conductive portion (11).