Two-Wire Sensor With Rechargeable Source For Bus Signaling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing building automation sensors require complex connection efforts and power supply arrangements, making them cumbersome for installation and subsequent use, especially when integrating with installation buses.
Innovation Solution
A two-wire sensor design that utilizes a button interface for voltage supply and incorporates a rechargeable voltage source and a microprocessor-controlled switching device to generate signals through short-circuit phases, reducing the need for additional power lines and simplifying the connection process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a sensor uses four connection lines (two for voltage supply, two for signal transmission), then the sensor can operate reliably with sufficient power and signal transmission capability, but the connection effort and wiring complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines voltage supply and signal transmission functions into a single connection line. The installation bus serves dual purposes: it provides both power to the sensor and carries the sensor's signal output. This is achieved by having the sensor short-circuit the bus line during signal transmission, utilizing the same conductive path for both energy and information transfer, thereby reducing the number of required connection lines from four to two.
Solution Approach 2:
The installation bus is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously. It acts as both a power supply line and a signal transmission line. The sensor draws operating voltage from the bus while also using the same bus to communicate its measurements by creating controlled short-circuit events, thus eliminating the need for separate dedicated power and signal wires.
2Use of energy by moving object
If a sensor requires a separate power supply connection, then the sensor can receive sufficient voltage for operation, but the installation becomes more complex and requires additional wiring infrastructure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the power supply function with the signal transmission function by using the same installation bus for both purposes. The sensor receives voltage from the bus and transmits signals through the same bus by creating temporary short-circuit conditions, eliminating the need for separate power and signal wiring.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor utilizes the existing installation bus infrastructure to provide its own power supply needs. Instead of requiring an external power source connected via separate wires, the sensor draws power directly from the bus it uses for signal transmission, making the system self-sufficient and simplifying installation.
3Device complexity
If a button interface is used for signal generation, then the interface can be simple and cost-effective, but faulty switching due to bouncing may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary debouncing action by implementing software-based bounce detection and filtering. When a button press is detected, the system waits for a predetermined bounce time to elapse before recognizing it as a valid signal. This preliminary time delay prevents false triggering from mechanical bouncing, ensuring reliable signal generation while maintaining the simplicity of the mechanical button interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback mechanisms to detect and filter out bounce signals. By monitoring the button state over time and comparing it against expected signal patterns, the system can distinguish between genuine button presses and mechanical bouncing, thereby maintaining reliability without increasing interface complexity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution simplifies the connection effort and power supply for sensors, allowing them to operate efficiently with reduced wiring requirements and minimizing faulty switching issues, while enabling reliable signal generation and transmission to the installation bus.
Implementation Method 1
the sensor has an additional rechargeable voltage source and has a switching device that can be controlled by the microprocessor to bring about a short circuit via the connecting lines as a signal to the button interface, with the sensor being supplied with voltage by the additional voltage source in the short-circuit phases
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~3a
AI summary
A sensor 1, comprising a microprocessor 2 and designed for connection to the installation bus 10 of a building automation system, includes two connecting leads 6 and 7 and is thus designed to be connected to a push-button interface 9 connected to the installation bus 10. The sensor 1 receives the voltage required for its operation via the push-button interface 9. The sensor 1 also has an additional rechargeable power source 5 and a switching device 8, controllable by the microprocessor 2, for creating a short circuit via the connecting leads 6 and 7 to the push-button interface 9. During the short-circuit phases, the sensor 1 is supplied with power by the additional power source 5. A method is provided for supplying and feeding a signal generated by a sensor 1, comprising a microprocessor 2, into the installation bus 10 of a building automation system.Sensor 1 has two connecting leads 6 and 7 and is connected via these to a push-button interface 9 of the installation bus 10. Sensor 1 thus receives the voltage necessary for its operation. As a sensor signal, Sensor 1 switches a short circuit via its connecting leads 6 and 7, whereby the voltage supply of Sensor 1 during a switched short circuit is provided by a rechargeable additional voltage source 5, which is charged when the short circuit is not switched.