Power Line Communication for Lamp Control Wiring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional lamp control systems have complex wiring that becomes increasingly complicated with multiple switches, making it uneconomical to add new switches without reconfiguring the entire system.
Innovation Solution
A power line communication system that uses digital control signals to control the power socket, allowing for simple and flexible control of electric equipment by transmitting signals through the power line, eliminating the need for complex wiring and enabling easy addition of new switches.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional wiring methods are used with multiple switches, then control functionality is achieved, but wiring complexity increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical wiring system with a communication-based control system. Instead of using complex physical wiring connections between multiple switches and the lamp, the invention uses communication signals transmitted through the power line to control the lamp's on/off state. This substitution dramatically reduces wiring complexity while maintaining control functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The power line serves multiple functions: it simultaneously provides electrical power to the lamp and transmits control signals from multiple switches. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate control wiring, thereby reducing overall wiring complexity while enabling multiple switches to control the same lamp.
2Adaptability or versatility
If new switches are added to conventional system, then control flexibility is improved, but entire wiring must be reconfigured
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is designed to be dynamic and adaptable. New switches can be added to the network without requiring reconfiguration of the entire wiring system. The system dynamically accommodates additional control points by integrating them into the existing communication network through the power line, enabling flexible expansion without costly reinstallation.
Solution Approach 2:
The power line infrastructure is pre-established for power delivery, and the communication protocol is pre-configured to support multiple control points. This preliminary setup enables future switches to be added simply by connecting them to the existing power line and registering them in the control network, without requiring preliminary wiring reconfiguration work.
3Device complexity
If power line communication is used, then wiring complexity is reduced, but signal transmission reliability must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary communication protocol and signal processing mechanism to transmit control signals through the power line. This intermediary layer handles signal modulation, demodulation, and error correction, ensuring reliable signal transmission despite the power line's primary design for power delivery rather than data communication. The intermediary maintains reliability while enabling wiring simplicity.
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 solution provides a simple and flexible method to control electric equipment, reducing wiring complexity and allowing for easy expansion without reconfiguring the entire system, while maintaining efficient power management.
Implementation Method 1
an input unit for generating a digital control signal carried on a power line to be transmitted to a power socket
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for controlling an electric equipment is provided. The apparatus includes an input unit for generating a digital control signal carried on a power line to be transmitted to a power socket according to an operation of a user. The power socket receives the digital control signal through the power line, and determines whether or not to provide a power source to the electric equipment according to the digital control signal.