Smart Connector Power Data Delivery System
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems require multiple conductors for power and data delivery in machines, leading to complex and cumbersome wiring harnesses, increased costs, and difficulties in assembly and troubleshooting, with existing multiplexing techniques only partially addressing the complexity and not enabling efficient delivery of power and data over the same conductors, especially in harsh environments.
Innovation Solution
A power and data delivery system using a conductor with smart connectors that allow for the transfer of both power and data over the same conductors, with nodes and devices connected via smart chips that can interpret messages and control delivery based on unique identifiers, enabling flexible connection points and interference compensation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate conductors are used for power and data delivery to each device, then reliable power and data transmission is achieved, but the number of conductors increases proportionally to the number of devices, leading to complex and cumbersome wiring harnesses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines power and data transmission functions into a single conductor system. Instead of using separate conductors for power and data to each device, the invention uses a unified conductor that carries both power and data signals, thereby reducing the total number of conductors and simplifying the wiring harness while maintaining transmission reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The conductor is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously - it acts as both a power delivery medium and a data communication channel. This multi-functional conductor replaces what would traditionally require separate dedicated conductors for each function, reducing system complexity
2Adaptability or versatility
If the number of devices in a machine increases, then machine functionality is improved, but the number of conductors required increases proportionally, making assembly and troubleshooting exponentially more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The universal conductor system allows any device to be connected to the same conductor infrastructure for both power and data, enabling easy addition of new devices without requiring proportional increases in conductor quantity or complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where devices can communicate their status, power requirements, and diagnostic information through the conductor, enabling centralized monitoring and troubleshooting that scales with the number of devices rather than becoming exponentially more difficult
Data Source
AI summary
A power and data delivery system for a machine. The system includes a conductor located throughout at least a portion of the machine for delivering power, a plurality of nodes, each connected to the conductor at a respective location, and a plurality of devices, each connected to a corresponding node. At least one node controls the delivery of power and data by way of a message containing a unique identifier for that one node.