Superimposed Signal Switching for Three-Wire Communication Links
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing three-wire electric apparatuses, such as sensors, face issues with increased wiring complexity and incorrect detection of operation signals due to superimposition signal fluctuations when connected to incompatible communication devices, leading to longer recognition times and circuit complexity.
Innovation Solution
An electric apparatus with a superimposition signal transmission portion, an operation mode switching portion, and a current detection portion that switches between normal and low current consumption modes based on the current value received from the communication device, allowing it to adapt its operation mode according to the connected device type.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a superimposition signal is used for communication to reduce wiring, then the number of wirings is reduced, but the communication device may erroneously detect signal fluctuations as ON/OFF switching when connected to incompatible devices
Solution Approach 1:
The electric apparatus dynamically switches between two operation modes: a first operation mode that transmits only operation signals for basic compatibility, and a second operation mode that superimposes data signals on operation signals for enhanced functionality. The system adapts its transmission mode based on the type of connected communication device, thereby resolving the contradiction between wiring reduction and signal detection accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus changes the parameter of signal transmission by switching between transmitting pure operation signals and transmitting superimposed signals containing both operation and data information. This parameter change allows the system to optimize for either compatibility or data transmission efficiency depending on the connected device type.
2Adaptability or versatility
If detection signals are converted into communication data by the sensor, then communication functionality is achieved, but the time required for external apparatus to recognize detection signals becomes longer and circuit configuration becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the operation signal transmission function with data signal transmission function into a single communication channel. By superimposing data signals on operation signals, the system achieves both basic operation control and advanced communication functionality without requiring separate wiring or complex conversion circuits.
Solution Approach 2:
The communication apparatus is designed with multi-functionality to operate in different modes: it can function as a simple operation signal transmitter for basic compatibility, or as an intelligent device with data transmission capabilities when connected to compatible devices. This universality eliminates the need for complex circuit configurations while maintaining communication functionality.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the electric apparatus operates in low current consumption mode, then power consumption is reduced, but the transmission of superimposition signal is not performed limiting communication capability
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus dynamically adjusts its operation mode based on the connected device type. When connected to incompatible devices, it operates in low power mode transmitting only operation signals. When connected to compatible devices, it switches to full functionality mode transmitting superimposed signals, thereby optimizing the balance between power consumption and communication capability.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
Provided is an electric apparatus or the like, which has excellent convenience and operates by switching an operation mode according to the type of a communication device of a connection destination. This electric apparatus (6) includes: a superimposition signal transmission unit (63) which transmits, to a communication device (input unit 4), a superimposition signal obtained by superimposing a data signal on an operation signal; an operation mode switching unit (62) which switches between a normal operation mode in which the transmission of the superimposition signal is performed and a low consumption current mode in which the transmission of the superimposition signal is not transmitted; and a current detection mode (61) which detects a current value supplied from the communication device, wherein the operation mode switching unit switches the low consumption current mode to the normal operation mode when the current detection unit detects a current equal to or greater than a prescribed threshold in the low consumption current mode.