Power and Data Delivery System for Machine Wiring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems require multiple conductors for power and data delivery in machines, leading to complex and cumbersome wiring harnesses, increased costs, and difficulty in troubleshooting and upgrading, as they fail to efficiently manage the increasing number of devices and signal activity.
Innovation Solution
A power and data delivery system using smart connectors that allow power and data to be transmitted over the same conductors, with smart connectors capable of being connected at any desired location, featuring a base and top housing with prongs and a circuit board to separate signals and manage data interference in harsh environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate conductors are used for power and data delivery to each device, then reliable power and data transmission is achieved, but the number of conductors increases proportionally to the number of devices, leading to complex and cumbersome wiring harnesses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines power delivery and data communication functions into a single conductor system. The carrier current technique modulates data signals onto the power delivery conductors, allowing both power and data to be transmitted simultaneously over the same wire, thereby reducing the total number of conductors and simplifying the wiring harness while maintaining reliable transmission of both power and data to each device
Solution Approach 2:
The power delivery conductors are made multi-functional by enabling them to carry both power and modulated data signals. This universal usage of conductors eliminates the need for separate dedicated data conductors, reducing system complexity while ensuring that each device receives both power and data communication capabilities through the same conductor infrastructure
2Adaptability or versatility
If the number of devices in the machine increases, then the machine's functionality is improved, but the number of conductors required increases proportionally, making assembly and troubleshooting more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
By merging power and data communication into a single conductor system using carrier current modulation, the patent enables the addition of new devices without proportionally increasing the number of conductors. Each new device can be integrated into the existing power delivery network, and data communication is automatically established through the same conductors, significantly reducing assembly complexity despite increased device count
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-functional conductors that deliver both power and data enable scalable system design. As new devices are added to enhance machine functionality, they can connect to the existing universal conductor network, which automatically provides both power and communication capabilities, making the system easily expandable without requiring additional dedicated data wiring for each new device
3Adaptability or versatility
If more conductors are used to support increasing devices, then device connectivity is improved, but the cost and weight of wiring harnesses increases proportionally
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges power delivery and data communication functions into the same conductor, eliminating the need for separate data wires for each device. This consolidation reduces the total amount of wiring material required, thereby reducing the weight of the wiring harness while maintaining full connectivity capabilities for all devices in the system
Solution Approach 2:
By making the power conductors universal carriers of both power and data, the system eliminates redundant wiring. Each conductor serves multiple functions, reducing the overall material requirements and weight of the wiring harness while preserving complete device connectivity through the streamlined conductor network
Data Source
AI summary
A power and data delivery system for a machine. The system includes a power and data conductor located throughout at least a portion of the machine, a plurality of processing nodes, each connected to the conductor at various locations, and a plurality of devices, each connected to a corresponding one of the plurality of processing nodes and controlled by the processing node, wherein each processing node may be connected at any location of the conductor.