Power Control Module for Wireless Field Device Joining

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Solution Overview

Problem

In wireless mesh networks, devices must minimize power consumption to extend battery life, especially in applications where recharging is not feasible, as high power consumption from routing messages and joining processes can significantly reduce battery life.

Innovation Solution

A power control module allocates power between the network interface module and the device interface module, prioritizing the network interface module during the joining process and sharing power between both modules during normal operation to optimize energy usage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the network interface module is provided with maximum power during the joining process, then the joining success rate is improved, but the overall power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvejoining success rateVSAvoidoverall power consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The power control module dynamically adjusts power allocation between the network interface module and device interface module based on operational state. During joining, maximum power is allocated to the network interface module. After successful joining, power is reallocated to share between both modules, optimizing energy usage while maintaining joining reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Duration of action of moving object

If power is shared between network interface module and device interface module during normal operation, then battery life is extended, but communication performance may be reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebattery lifeVSAvoidcommunication performance

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of moving objectVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

During normal operation after joining, the system applies partial power action by sharing power between modules rather than providing maximum power continuously. The power control module allocates sufficient power to maintain communication functionality while restricting excess power that would unnecessarily drain the battery, thus extending battery life without completely sacrificing communication performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Use of energy by moving object

If the device interface module is restricted from power during joining, then power consumption is reduced, but device functionality is delayed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoiddevice functionality delay

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary joining action first by allocating maximum power to the network interface module during the joining process. Only after successful joining is the device interface module activated with power allocation. This preliminary sequencing ensures power consumption is minimized during the critical joining phase while device functionality is activated promptly after joining completes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP2076839B1Power management system for a field device on a wireless network

Publication Date: 2020.04.29 ROSEMOUNT INC

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AI summary

A field device includes a power control module, a network interface module that communicates over a wireless network, and a device interface module for operating transducers, such as a sensor or an actuator. The power control module controls distribution of electrical power so that the network interface module receives electrical power while it is attempting to join the wireless network. Once the network interface module has joined the wireless network, the power control module allows the network interface module and the device interface module to share electrical power.