Recursive Power Allocation in Tree Data Links to Reduce Cabling
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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 with a root node and leaf nodes, utilizing point-to-point wired links and a star configuration to minimize the number of required electrical connections, along with nodes equipped with 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 in the network, then reliable power and data transmission is achieved, but the amount of cabling required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The network is segmented into a hierarchical tree structure with root nodes, intermediate nodes, and leaf nodes. Power and data transmission is segmented into upstream and downstream directions, allowing efficient resource allocation and reducing overall cabling requirements compared to a fully connected mesh topology.
Solution Approach 2:
The wired links in the network serve multiple functions simultaneously - they transmit both power and data bidirectionally. Each node can act as both a power consumer and a power distributor, enabling the network to function as a unified power and data distribution system rather than requiring separate infrastructure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If additional cabling is deployed to connect each device to a central device, then network coverage is improved, but deployment cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The network is organized into a tree structure with root nodes, intermediate nodes, and leaf nodes. This segmentation allows the network to cover extensive areas using hierarchical routing rather than requiring every node to connect directly to the center, significantly reducing cable length and deployment costs while maintaining comprehensive coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The network transitions from a two-dimensional flat topology to a three-dimensional hierarchical tree structure. This dimensional change allows power and data to flow through multiple levels (upstream and downstream), enabling efficient resource allocation and reduced cabling requirements for achieving the same network coverage.
3Quantity of substance
If a tree configuration is used to reduce cabling, then cabling requirements are minimized, but power allocation management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements bidirectional communication between nodes, allowing downstream nodes to report their power requirements upstream and enabling upstream nodes to allocate power dynamically. This feedback mechanism automates power management decisions, reducing the perceived complexity for operators while maintaining optimal power distribution throughout the tree structure.
Solution Approach 2:
Each node in the tree structure autonomously manages its own power requirements and can independently request or allocate power to downstream nodes. This self-service capability distributes the management complexity across multiple nodes rather than requiring centralized control, simplifying overall system operation while maintaining the efficient tree topology.
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2A
AI summary
An electronic device includes internal circuitry (230), an upstream port (210) and one or more downstream ports (240). The upstream port (210) is connectable to an upstream cable (i). One or more downstream ports (240) is connectable to respective one or more downstream cables. When the upstream port (210) extracts upstream power from the upstream cable (i), the internal circuitry (230) causes one or more downstream ports (240) to inject deliverable power into respective one or more downstream cables.