Power Supply Tree Over Data Links With Recursive Energy Allocation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Complex networks requiring additional cabling for device connections increase deployment costs.
Innovation Solution
A power supply wired tree configuration that includes a root node and leaf nodes connected via point-to-point cables, with optional star configurations, utilizing upstream and downstream ports for data and power transmission, and internal circuitry for power management and data exchange.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a central device connects to each device individually, then reliable power and data transmission is achieved, but the number of cables and deployment cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines power transmission and data communication into a single cable infrastructure. Each cable carries both electrical power and data signals between devices, eliminating the need for separate power and data cables. This merging reduces the total number of cables required while maintaining reliable transmission of both power and data.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable system is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously - it serves as both a power delivery medium and a data communication channel. The universal cable infrastructure can handle different types of transmissions (power, data, control signals) through the same physical connection, reducing deployment complexity and cable quantity.
2Reliability
If additional cabling is installed for each device connection, then network reliability is improved, but deployment cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges power delivery and data communication functions into a single cable connection between devices. This consolidation reduces the total material cost, installation labor, and deployment complexity while maintaining reliable connections for both power and data transmission across the network.
Solution Approach 2:
The universal cable interface supports multiple functions (power transmission, data communication, device control) through a single physical connection. This multi-functionality reduces the overall system cost by eliminating redundant cabling infrastructure while ensuring reliable network operation.
3Quantity of substance
If a tree configuration is used instead of central connections, then the number of cables is reduced, but power management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service power management where each device automatically detects its own power requirements and negotiates power delivery with its parent device in the tree hierarchy. Devices autonomously manage their power consumption, detect connected devices, and adjust power allocation without centralized control, reducing the perceived complexity despite the distributed architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The power management system uses continuous feedback mechanisms where devices report their power status, consumption levels, and connection state to upstream devices. This feedback enables automatic power allocation, load balancing, and fault detection throughout the tree structure, managing complexity through decentralized intelligent control rather than centralized management.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device includes internal circuitry, an upstream port and one or more downstream ports. The upstream port is connectable to an upstream cable. One or more downstream ports is connectable to respective one or more downstream cables. When the upstream port extracts upstream power from the upstream cable, the internal circuitry causes one or more downstream ports to inject deliverable power into respective one or more downstream cables.