Power Line Time Broadcasting Apparatus Using Frequency Modulation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing power line communication methods face challenges in accurately transmitting and receiving time information due to interference, noise, and signal distortion, especially in industrial and home automation settings, where traditional methods like shortwave broadcasting are inefficient and indirect.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus for transmitting and receiving time broadcasting information using a power line, which involves encoding time information onto a power signal, combining it with the power line signal, filtering to extract the time signal, and synchronizing it using a predetermined frequency band, allowing for automatic time setting of devices without user intervention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If power line communication is used to transmit time information, then existing power lines can be utilized without additional communication lines, but interference, noise, and signal distortion occur due to the power line being connected to various devices

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuse of existing power lineVSAvoidsignal transmission quality

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the frequency parameter by using high-frequency carriers (e.g., 25 kHz, 50 kHz, or higher) modulated onto the power line signals. This frequency transformation allows time information to be transmitted through the power line while distinguishing it from the power line's fundamental frequency and reducing interference from connected devices, thus improving signal transmission quality while maintaining adaptability to existing power line infrastructure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a coupling capacitor as an intermediary component between the power line and the time information signal. This capacitor couples the high-frequency time information signal onto the power line while blocking the power line's fundamental frequency, acting as a mediator that enables reliable time information transmission through the noisy power line environment without requiring additional communication lines

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If shortwave broadcasting is used for time information transmission, then time can be broadcast to many persons, but reception sensitivity deteriorates indoors and depends on ionization layer state

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebroadcasting capabilityVSAvoidreception sensitivity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the electromagnetic wave-based shortwave broadcasting system with a power line-based electrical signal transmission system. Instead of relying on radio waves that interact with the ionization layer and require outdoor antennas, the system uses electrical signals coupled onto power lines, enabling reliable time information transmission indoors through existing electrical infrastructure without dependence on atmospheric conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Quantity of substance

If power line communication transmits large amounts of data, then data communication is enabled, but electric wave leakage affects other radio equipment and frequency band is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata transmission capacityVSAvoidelectric wave leakage

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts only the essential time information transmission function from the broader power line communication system. By focusing solely on transmitting time information using high-frequency carriers modulated onto power line signals, the system achieves sufficient data transmission capacity for time synchronization without requiring the full power line communication infrastructure, thereby minimizing electric wave leakage and avoiding frequency band conflicts with other radio equipment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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 and efficient transmission of time information over common power lines, supporting home automation and industrial applications with accurate time synchronization, reducing the need for additional communication lines and minimizing user interaction.

Implementation Method 1

filtering to extract the time signal, and synchronizing it using a predetermined frequency band

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFrequency filtering: Filter (electronic)

Implementation Method 2

encoding time information onto a power signal, combining it with the power line signal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSignal modulation: Phase Modulation

Data Source

PatentUS8761270B2Apparatus and method for transmitting and receiving time broadcasting information using power line

Publication Date: 2014.06.24 KOREA RES INST OF STANDARDS & SCI

AI summary

In the present invention, time information is sent through a common power line in executing home automation devices or using various industrial equipments. In the power line broadcasting, a small amount of data, such as time information, is transmitted unidirectionally, and long-distance power line broadcasting can be possible using carriers of a low frequency band. time setting for various instruments is automatically performed in response to a power signal after a breakdown of electric current, making unnecessary a user's action to perform the time setting, and the existing power line can be used without change.