Wireless Handover Control for Moving Slave Communication Nodes

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wireless communication systems fail to maintain connectivity between a master wireless device and slave wireless devices when the slave devices move out of the communication range of the master device and cannot establish connections with new master devices upon re-entering a different communication range.

Innovation Solution

A wireless communication system where slave wireless devices are configured in banks, allowing for seamless handover of connections by frequency hopping and using identification tables to manage connections and disconnections with master devices as appliances move, ensuring continuous communication.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a specific master wireless device and slave wireless devices are wirelessly connected in a fixed configuration, then wireless communication can be established initially, but the system cannot maintain connectivity when appliances move out of communication range

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewireless communication connectivityVSAvoidmobility support
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically manages wireless connections by allowing slave wireless devices to switch between different master wireless devices based on communication range. When an appliance moves out of the current master's range, the slave device can establish connection with a new master device, making the system adaptive to movement while maintaining reliable communication.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

Slave wireless devices are designed to communicate with multiple master wireless devices rather than being bound to a single master. This multi-functionality allows the same slave device to seamlessly switch between different masters as appliances move, supporting both reliability and mobility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If slave wireless devices are bound to a specific master wireless device, then initial connection is established, but the slave device cannot connect to new master devices when entering different communication ranges

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection establishmentVSAvoidhandover capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The connection management is made dynamic rather than static. Slave wireless devices continuously monitor communication ranges and automatically switch masters based on current position, enabling seamless handover while maintaining ease of operation through automatic connection management.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs automatic connection management without requiring manual intervention. When a slave device moves into a new master's communication range, it automatically establishes connection with the new master, making the handover process transparent and easy to operate.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple master wireless devices are deployed to support mobile appliances, then mobility is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemobility supportVSAvoidsystem configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the coverage area into multiple zones, each served by a different master wireless device. This segmentation allows appliances to move between zones while maintaining connection, supporting mobility without requiring a single complex centralized system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Slave wireless devices automatically manage their own connections by selecting appropriate masters based on communication range. This self-service capability reduces the need for complex centralized control, allowing multiple masters to be deployed without proportionally increasing system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3764729B1Wireless communication system, slave wireless device and master wireless device
Publication Date: 2026.04.08 SMC CORP
  • EP3764729B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3764729B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3764729B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

This wireless communication system (10) allows the movement of a carriage (28) or an automated conveyance vehicle (36) to which a plurality of slave wireless devices (16) and a plurality of appliances (14) are provided. A master control unit (12a) of a master wireless device (12) uses a master communication unit (12b) to transmit a cut-off request signal to a slave wireless device (16) deviating from a communication-target region (24). If a slave communication unit (16b) receives the cut-off request signal, a slave control unit (16a) of the slave wireless device (16) cuts off a wireless connection.