Power Supply Module Address Assignment via Parameter Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional systems for controlling and monitoring electrical devices are complex, especially when selecting devices based on device IDs, making intuitive assignment challenging for users.

Innovation Solution

A power supply module that switches between address learning and normal operating modes, using parameter changes such as internal resistance or power consumption variations caused by plugging/unplugging or switching devices, to identify and assign logical addresses to power sockets, allowing for easy and intuitive control/monitoring via a coding plug or radio module.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If conventional systems use device IDs for controlling and monitoring electrical devices, then device identification is achieved, but system complexity increases and user operation becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser operationVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically detects parameter changes caused by plugging/unplugging devices or switching operations, and autonomously assigns logical addresses without requiring user intervention. The power supply module monitors its own supply circuits and performs self-configuration, eliminating the need for complex manual device ID entry and simplifying user operation while maintaining device identification capabilities

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses detectable parameter changes (internal resistance, current consumption) that occur naturally during device plugging/unplugging or switching operations as identification signals. By monitoring these inherent parameter variations, the system assigns logical addresses automatically without requiring complex device ID input from users, thus reducing operational complexity while preserving device identification functionality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If manual device ID assignment is used, then device identification is achieved, but assignment complexity and time consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassignment speedVSAvoidassignment complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary detection of parameter changes immediately when a device is plugged in or switched on. By monitoring supply circuit parameters in real-time and automatically assigning logical addresses at the moment of device connection, the system eliminates subsequent manual configuration steps, significantly improving assignment speed while reducing the complexity of the assignment process itself

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Measurement precision

If logical assignment is performed via device ID selection, then precise device identification is achieved, but the process becomes complex and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice identification precisionVSAvoidassignment time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The power supply module autonomously monitors parameter changes in its supply circuits and automatically assigns logical addresses without requiring user input or device ID selection. This self-configuration process maintains precise device identification through unique parameter change detection while eliminating time-consuming manual assignment procedures

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces the mechanical interaction of manual device ID entry and selection with automated electronic parameter change detection. By substituting user-based mechanical input with electronic monitoring of inherent parameter variations, the system achieves precise device identification instantly without the time loss associated with manual device ID assignment processes

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 simple and intuitive assignment of logical addresses to electrical devices, reducing complexity in controlling and monitoring, and allowing flexible communication methods like Powerline Communication PLC or wireless networks.

Implementation Method 1

a change in internal resistance or a change in current consumption at the power supply connection of the power supply module is caused by switching on or off operations of a power switch attached to the electrical device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical Resistance: Electrical Resistance

Implementation Method 2

a change in internal resistance or a change in current consumption at the power supply connection of the power supply module is caused by plugging or unplugging the electrical device into the power socket of the supply circuit

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCurrent consumption: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentEP2529460B1Power supply module
Publication Date: 2019.06.19 SIEMENS AG
  • EP2529460B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2529460B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2529460B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a method and a device for controlling or monitoring an electrical appliance (7) that can be inserted into a power outlet (6) in order to be supplied with power, said outlet being connected to a power supply terminal (2) of a power supply module (1) by means of a power supply circuit (5). First, an identification (S1) of the power outlet (6) used for the electrical appliance (7) is carried out on the basis of a parameter change detected at the power supply terminal (2) of the power supply module (1) or on the basis of an identification signal transmitted from the power outlet (6) to the power supply connection (2) of the power supply module (1) via a signalling line (11) associated with the power supply circuit (5). A logical address of the identified power outlet (6) is then associated (S2) with the respective power supply terminal (2) of the power supply module (1). The electrical appliance (7) connected to the identified power outlet (6) is controlled or monitored (S3) on the basis of the associated logical address of the identified power outlet (6).