Temperature control device, system comprising a temperature control device, and method of changing an operating state of an electronic component
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Solution Overview
Problem
Simultaneous switching-on of multiple electronic components in a system can lead to overloading of the energy supply, requiring oversized energy sources and necessitating a central control unit for prevention, which is maintenance-intensive and critical to the system's functioning.
Innovation Solution
A temperature control device with a control unit, energy supply interface, and communication interface that manages the operating state of electronic components by sending and receiving signals to synchronize changes in their operating states, ensuring that only one component changes state at a time, thus avoiding simultaneous high energy demands.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a central control unit is used to prevent simultaneous switching-on of electronic components, then simultaneous switching-on is prevented, but device complexity increases and maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the central control unit from the system and distributes the control functionality to individual electronic components. Each component is equipped with a control circuit that independently manages its own switching-on sequence, eliminating the need for centralized coordination while preventing simultaneous switching-on through peer-to-peer communication between components.
Solution Approach 2:
Each electronic component performs its own control functions through integrated control circuits that monitor system state and autonomously determine when switching-on is appropriate. The components self-coordinate their operation through communication signals, eliminating the need for external central control and reducing overall system complexity.
2Reliability
If the energy supply is dimensioned to handle simultaneous switching-on of all components, then simultaneous switching-on is accommodated, but energy supply size increases for normal operation
Solution Approach 1:
The control circuits in each electronic component perform preliminary checks of system state before initiating switching-on. By monitoring communication channels and detecting the presence of other components' intention signals, the system proactively prevents simultaneous switching-on requests, allowing the energy supply to be sized for normal sequential operation rather than peak simultaneous demand.
3Reliability
If a central control unit coordinates component operation, then simultaneous switching-on is prevented, but loss of time occurs due to central unit processing delays
Solution Approach 1:
The centralized control function is segmented and distributed to individual electronic components. Each component's control circuit independently processes switching-on requests and coordinates with neighboring components through local communication, eliminating the single processing bottleneck of a central unit and enabling parallel decision-making that reduces overall coordination time.
Data Source
AI summary
Example embodiments relate to a temperature control device, wherein a control unit performs the following steps to change an operating state of an electronic component: the control unit outputs an intention signal, the control unit receives and evaluates signals during a waiting time, and in case neither an intention signal from another unit having a higher priority, nor a change signal is present within the waiting time, the control unit outputs a change signal and changes the operating state of the electronic component. Example embodiments further relate to a system including a temperature control device and to a method of changing an operating state of an electronic component.