Power Line Communication Device Using Relay Sub-Units
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power line communication systems for controlling lighting equipment face limitations in range and reliability due to high-frequency noises and distant sub-units, restricting the number of controllable sub-units via broadcasting methods, which requires impractical main unit placement.
Innovation Solution
A power line communication device that uses broadcasting to control multiple sub-units without relying on sub-unit to main unit handshaking, employing a controller to superimpose control signals onto the power line, allowing each sub-unit to initiate data transfers and verify signal receipt through visual or audio indicators.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If broadcasting method is used to control multiple sub-units, then the number of controllable sub-units is limited, but the system complexity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Relay sub-units act as intermediaries to forward control signals from the main unit to distant sub-units. When the main unit transmits a control signal, relay sub-units receive and re-transmit the signal, enabling control of sub-units beyond the direct transmission range. This mediator approach resolves the contradiction by expanding the number of controllable sub-units through signal relaying without requiring direct main-unit-to-sub-unit connections for all devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The network is segmented into main units, relay sub-units, and ordinary sub-units with distinct functions. Relay sub-units are strategically positioned to divide the network into zones, each capable of being controlled through the relay nodes. This segmentation allows the system to scale to more sub-units by adding relay nodes rather than requiring the main unit to directly communicate with every sub-unit, thus increasing capacity without proportionally increasing complexity.
2Area of stationary object
If main unit is placed in the middle of all machines for optimal control, then control range is maximized, but the installation becomes unrealistic
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of positioning the main unit centrally to maximize control range, the system inverts the approach by allowing sub-units (specifically relay sub-units) to actively extend the control range by re-transmitting signals. This inversion transforms the problem from 'where to place the main unit' to 'how sub-units can relay signals,' making installation flexible without requiring central placement of the main unit.
Solution Approach 2:
Relay sub-units serve as intermediaries that eliminate the need for the main unit to be centrally positioned. These relay nodes are placed at strategic locations in the existing power line network and forward control signals to distant sub-units, effectively extending the control range without moving the main unit to a central location. This maintains large control area while preserving installation feasibility.
3Reliability
If bidirectional handshaking communication is used between main unit and sub-units, then data verification is reliable, but the communication protocol becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
Relay sub-units autonomously perform signal reception and re-transmission without requiring handshaking or verification protocols. When a relay sub-unit receives a control signal from the main unit or another relay, it automatically forwards the signal to connected sub-units. This self-service approach eliminates the need for complex bidirectional communication protocols while maintaining system reliability, as the relay nodes simply propagate signals without needing to verify or acknowledge receipt.
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 of multiple sub-units across a broader range without the need for sub-unit handshaking, allowing for simultaneous illumination, extinguishing, and brightness adjustment of lighting equipment, even in noisy environments.
Implementation Method 1
a main unit superimposing control signals containing data from said controller onto the power line
Data Source
AI summary
A power line communication device that will control multiple sub-units without exception via broadcasting from a main unit is disclosed. The power line communication device controls the machines connected to each sub-unit from a main unit using power line communication. The power line communication device has a controller, a main unit superimposing control signals containing data from said controller onto the power line, and multiple sub-units controlling the connected machines by receiving control signals being broadcast from the main unit. Each sub-unit is set up to be capable of data transfer, and it is possible to initiate data transfers from the main unit or selected sub-units.