Superimposed conveyance of data and electrical power
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Solution Overview
Problem
Central heating systems often result in underdamped control, leading to thermal energy gradients within buildings, reducing comfort and wasting fuel, particularly in temperate climates where fuel consumption is high.
Innovation Solution
A system for superimposed conveyance of data and electrical power, including a switch, controller, voltage regulator, and current measurement circuitry, allows for precise modulation of heat generator components, such as fuel valves and blowers, based on real-time temperature feedback, improving control efficiency and comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the heat generator operates state changes from on to off based on thermostat feedback, then the control system is simple to operate, but the control system becomes underdamped producing thermal energy gradients
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from static on/off control to dynamic modulation control. The heat generator's operating state is continuously adjusted based on real-time temperature feedback, enabling the system to adapt its heating output dynamically. This allows the system to maintain uniform temperature distribution while responding to changing thermal conditions, resolving the contradiction between simple operation and temperature uniformity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback control where the thermostat continuously monitors temperature and uses this information to modulate the heat generator's operation. The feedback loop enables the system to detect temperature deviations and adjust the heating output accordingly, preventing thermal energy gradients from forming while maintaining straightforward operational control through automated regulation.
2Device complexity
If the heat generator operates state changes from on to off based on thermostat feedback, then the control system is simple, but fuel is wasted due to underdamped control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from static on/off control to dynamic modulation control. The heat generator's operating state is continuously adjusted based on real-time temperature feedback, enabling the system to adapt its heating output dynamically. This allows the system to maintain uniform temperature distribution while responding to changing thermal conditions, resolving the contradiction between simple operation and temperature uniformity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback control where the thermostat continuously monitors temperature and uses this information to modulate the heat generator's operation. The feedback loop enables the system to detect temperature deviations and adjust the heating output accordingly, preventing thermal energy gradients from forming while maintaining straightforward operational control through automated regulation.
3Temperature
If the sensed temperature is used to modulate operations of heat generator components, then thermal energy is more uniformly distributed, but the control system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by implementing a standardized communication protocol that enables the thermostat to perform multiple functions: temperature sensing, control signal generation, and communication with the heat generator. This multi-functional approach allows the system to achieve uniform thermal energy distribution through modulated control without proportionally increasing system complexity, as the same communication infrastructure supports various control operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by modulating the operating parameters of the heat generator (such as fuel valve position and blower speed) based on temperature feedback. Instead of simple on/off state changes, the system continuously adjusts these parameters to maintain optimal thermal distribution, achieving uniform temperature control while managing complexity through parameter-based regulation rather than structural complexity.
4Loss of energy
If the sensed temperature is used to modulate operations of heat generator components, then fuel consumption efficiency is improved, but the control system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by implementing a standardized communication protocol that enables the thermostat to perform multiple functions: temperature sensing, control signal generation, and communication with the heat generator. This multi-functional approach allows the system to achieve uniform thermal energy distribution through modulated control without proportionally increasing system complexity, as the same communication infrastructure supports various control operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by modulating the operating parameters of the heat generator (such as fuel valve position and blower speed) based on temperature feedback. Instead of simple on/off state changes, the system continuously adjusts these parameters to maintain optimal thermal distribution, achieving uniform temperature control while managing complexity through parameter-based regulation rather than structural complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
In a method for superimposed conveyance of data and electrical power, a first switch can cycle to convey the electric power and data from a first device. Binary digits of the data from the first device can be represented by transitions, of a voltage at a node of a second device, between a first voltage and a second voltage. A second switch can cycle to convey data from the second device. Binary digits of the data from the second device can be represented by transitions, of a current through a component of the first device, between being less than a threshold and being greater than the threshold. A voltage regulator of the second device can provide, in response to the voltage at the node being within a range of voltages that includes the first voltage and the second voltage, the electrical power to one or more components.