Power Line Communication for Smart Socket Modules
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wireless communication in smart power sockets is prone to interference and attenuation, particularly when multiple modules are located in different rooms or spaces, leading to malfunctioning control systems.
Innovation Solution
A combinable power socket system that uses a power line network for intermodule communication, featuring a control module and functional modules like switched power sockets, USB sockets, and dimming power sockets, equipped with microprocessors, PLC modem circuits, and AC/DC converting circuits, allowing stable control signals to be sent and received through the power line network.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If wireless communication is used for intermodule communication, then the system is easier to install and more flexible in placement, but the communication is prone to interference and attenuation when modules are located in different rooms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses power lines as an intermediary medium for communication between modules. Instead of relying on wireless signals that can be blocked by walls, the system modulates control signals onto the existing power line infrastructure, allowing reliable communication through the electrical wiring that already penetrates walls and partitions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the wireless electromagnetic field-based communication system with a wired electrical signal transmission system through power lines. This substitution eliminates the problems of wireless attenuation and interference by using the conductive power line infrastructure as a stable transmission medium.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple modules are connected through wireless communication, then the system can be distributed across different locations, but control signals may be lost or malfunction due to signal attenuation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the power line infrastructure serve dual functions: delivering electrical power to modules and simultaneously transmitting control and status signals between them. This multi-functionality allows distributed modules to communicate reliably without requiring separate communication wiring, as the existing power lines can carry both power and data.
Solution Approach 2:
The power line network acts as a universal intermediary that connects all modules regardless of their physical location. By modulating signals onto the power lines, the system enables reliable communication between modules in different rooms through the electrical wiring that already provides power distribution throughout the building.
3Device complexity
If wireless communication is used, then the system structure is simpler and requires less wiring, but communication quality deteriorates in environments with partitions or noise sources
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes wireless electromagnetic communication with wired electrical signal transmission through power lines. This replacement eliminates susceptibility to wireless interference from partitions, noise sources, and other environmental factors, as electrical signals through conductors are immune to such electromagnetic disturbances.
Solution Approach 2:
The power line network serves as a shielded intermediary transmission medium that protects control signals from environmental interference. By conducting signals through insulated electrical wiring rather than through free-space electromagnetic waves, the system achieves reliable communication even in electrically noisy environments or across partitioned spaces.
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 reliable control and synchronization of multiple power modules without the limitations of wireless communication, ensuring stable and efficient energy management and reduction of malfunctions.
Implementation Method 1
a power line communication (PLC) modulation/demodulation (modem) circuit, disposed in the housing, electrically connected to the power plug and the microprocessor for modulating a control signal from the microprocessor, sending a modulated control signal to a power line network
Implementation Method 2
an AC/DC converting circuit, disposed in the housing, electrically connected to the power plug for converting AC electricity from the power plug into DC power to supply DC power to the microprocessor, the PLC modem circuit and the wireless communication circuit
Implementation Method 3
a wireless communication circuit, disposed in the housing, electrically connected to the microprocessor for wirelessly connecting a handheld computer
Data Source
AI summary
An intelligent power socket system is disclosed. The system is composed of a control module, a switched electricity receptacle module, a switched USB module and a dimming receptacle module. Each module has a power plug and a power socket. The control module can receive control commands from a smartphone by a user. The other three functional modules can be controlled by the control module through power line communication (PLC). The modules may be located at different places within an electricity supply division so that they can communicate through the power lines.