Power Line Communication Interface for Medium Voltage Units
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Solution Overview
Problem
Medium voltage interruption units require complex and costly communication and programming procedures for various electronic and electro-mechanical devices, leading to increased manufacturing costs, material waste, and labor-intensive assembly processes due to the need for multiple variants and difficult interface installations.
Innovation Solution
An interface module that uses power supply ports to exchange information with electronic or electro-mechanical devices through modulation of voltage and current, allowing easy programming and identification, reducing the number of device variants, and incorporating self-learning capabilities to adapt to varying voltage and current conditions, utilizing RS232 or USB communication ports and microcontrollers for efficient data transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If serial communication interfaces are adopted for communication with electronic devices, then communication effectiveness is improved, but manufacturing costs increase remarkably
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by enabling the power supply lines to serve dual purposes: delivering electrical power to electronic devices and simultaneously transmitting communication signals. This eliminates the need for separate serial communication interfaces, reducing component count and manufacturing cost while maintaining effective communication capability through the existing power infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the power supply function and communication function into a single integrated system. By modulating the power supply voltage or current to encode communication signals, the invention combines two previously separate functions (power delivery and data transmission) into one unified approach, thereby reducing overall system cost and complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple variants of electronic devices are used to meet market requirements, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs parameter changes by allowing a single electronic device variant to operate across multiple configurations through programmable parameters. The device can be remotely programmed via power line communication to adapt its operational characteristics, eliminating the need for multiple hardware variants and reducing device complexity while maintaining market adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables self-service through remote programming capabilities. A single device variant can automatically configure itself for different applications by receiving programming instructions through the power supply lines, eliminating the need for manual configuration and reducing the number of device variants required to meet diverse market requirements.
3Measurement precision
If identification tags are manually retrieved during assembly, then device identification accuracy is improved, but assembly time and labor costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/manual identification process with an automated electronic system. Instead of manually retrieving and reading identification tags during assembly, the system uses automated power line communication to transmit and retrieve device identification information electronically, thereby maintaining identification accuracy while dramatically improving assembly speed and reducing labor costs.
4Reliability
If interface devices are installed on interruption units already in the field, then communication capability is improved, but installation difficulty increases due to required modifications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing the communication system to utilize the existing power supply infrastructure already present in field-installed interruption units. By making the power lines serve dual functions (power and communication), the system eliminates the need for additional cabling or modifications to existing units, thereby maintaining communication capability while dramatically simplifying installation.
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
The interface module simplifies communication and programming, reduces material waste and variant numbers, enhances assembly efficiency, and lowers manufacturing costs by enabling easy information exchange and configuration, while being cost-effective and easy to implement.
Implementation Method 1
exchanging information with said electronic or electro-mechanical devices through said power supply port
Implementation Method 2
exchange information with said electronic or electro-mechanical devices through said power supply port
Implementation Method 3
The interface module is capable of measuring voltage and current parameters
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
An interface module for communication with at least a first electronic or electro-mechanical device of a medium voltage interruption unit which comprises at least a power supply port through which said first device receives electric power. The interface module further comprises first interface means that are electrically connected to said power supply port, said first interface means exchanging information with said first device through said power supply port.