Power Coordinator for Home Communication Bus

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing home communication systems face limitations in power supply management, leading to excessive load on switched-mode power supplies, which can result in overload, malfunction, and restricted system topology, especially when multiple high-power stations are operational simultaneously.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a power coordinator that manages energy distribution by allowing stations to register their energy requirements and switch between high and low power modes based on available capacity, with priority specifications to ensure efficient power allocation and prevent overload.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If multiple stations operate simultaneously with high power consumption, then system functionality is improved, but power supply overload occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem functionalityVSAvoidpower supply load
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the operating mode of individual stations between high-power mode and low-power mode based on real-time power supply capacity. The power coordinator continuously monitors available power and dynamically reconfigures which stations operate in which mode, allowing the system to adapt to changing power conditions and maximize functionality without overload.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the operational parameters of stations by switching them between two distinct power consumption modes. This parameter change allows the same station to operate with different power requirements depending on system conditions, enabling flexible power management that prevents overload while maintaining functionality when power is available.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If a fixed number of stations are limited to prevent overload, then power supply safety is improved, but system expansion capability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower supply safetyVSAvoidsystem expansion capability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of a fixed station limit, the system dynamically determines how many stations can operate in high-power mode based on real-time power supply capacity. The power coordinator continuously adjusts which stations are permitted to operate in high-power mode, allowing the system to expand or contract its active high-power stations according to available power, thus enabling system expansion while maintaining safety.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The power coordinator automatically manages power distribution among stations without external intervention. It self-regulates which stations can operate in high-power mode by monitoring system conditions and making real-time decisions, enabling the system to safely accommodate varying numbers of stations without requiring manual configuration or external control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Productivity

If one station monopolizes high-power mode, then its operation is improved, but other stations cannot complete their tasks

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestation operation efficiencyVSAvoidmulti-user task completion
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically allocates high-power mode availability among multiple stations based on real-time conditions and priority specifications. When one station completes its high-power task or lowers its power requirement, the power coordinator dynamically permits another station to transition to high-power mode, ensuring fair and efficient resource sharing among multiple users without manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The power coordinator implements a feedback mechanism where stations report their operational status and power requirements, and the coordinator responds by granting or denying high-power mode access based on current system conditions. This continuous feedback loop ensures that high-power mode is allocated to the station that needs it most at any given moment, preventing monopolization and enabling multiple users to complete their tasks in sequence.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

4Reliability

If configuration mode is interrupted by another station, then power supply stability is improved, but user experience deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower supply stabilityVSAvoidconfiguration completion
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The power coordinator automatically manages configuration mode access without requiring user intervention. When a station enters configuration mode, the power coordinator monitors the situation and automatically maintains or restores its high-power mode status, allowing the configuration process to complete without interruption. This self-service approach prevents user-perceived malfunctions while maintaining power supply stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system treats high-power mode as a temporarily allocatable resource that can be quickly granted and revoked. During configuration operations, the power coordinator ensures that the configuring station retains high-power mode access for the brief duration needed to complete its task, automatically managing the temporary allocation without affecting overall system stability or requiring complex long-term reservations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Data Source

PatentEP2512069B1Building communication system with at least one door station and at least two residence stations
Publication Date: 2015.07.15 ABB AG(DE)
  • EP2512069B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2

AI summary

The system has a door station (1) and housing stations (2-5) that are connected to a bus (8). A power supply unit (6) is connected to the bus, for supplying power to the stations. A power coordinator (7) is provided for managing the power consumption of the stations. The maximum power rating of power supply unit is communicated with the stations. The future energy requirement of the stations is inquired by the power coordinator. The required energy is provided based on energy consumption information of stations and maximum permissible energy of power supply unit.