Appliance Mode Detection via Current Duty Cycle Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for managing electrical appliance data only allow for consumption management and fail to differentiate between similar operating modes, such as standby and off modes, limiting the ability to accurately determine and manage operating modes.
Innovation Solution
A device with a measurement module that provides a rectangular voltage signal with a duty cycle dependent on current geometry and amplitude, and a control module that determines the duty cycle to identify operating modes, allowing for differentiation between modes and communication of mode indicators to a central station.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a power supply module is used to supply the communication module only when the electrical network is operational, then the central station can detect network failures, but the system cannot determine detailed operating modes of the electrical appliance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a measurement module as an intermediary component that measures current flowing through the electrical appliance and generates a rectangular voltage signal whose duty cycle reflects the current characteristics. This mediator enables the control module to determine operating modes without requiring direct communication with the appliance, thus preserving information even when the network is unavailable.
2Productivity
If the communication module transmits consumption data to the central station, then consumption management is enabled, but differentiation between similar operating modes like standby and off is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter being monitored from total current consumption to the duty cycle of a rectangular voltage signal derived from current measurements. This parameter transformation enables differentiation between operating modes because the duty cycle varies characteristically with different appliance states, providing precise mode identification while maintaining consumption management capabilities.
3Loss of information
If the device continuously monitors and transmits operating data, then detailed operating mode information is available, but additional energy consumption is generated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by having the communication module transmit operating mode indicators only when mode changes are detected, rather than continuously transmitting data. The control module determines operating modes based on duty cycle variations and triggers communication only when necessary, thereby reducing energy consumption while maintaining information availability.
Data Source
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AI summary
The device (2) has a connection unit arranged to connect an electrical appliance (4) to an AC outlet (6) so that a current (i) flows between the outlet and the electrical appliance. A measuring module (MES) provides a signal (V) whose duty cycle is dependent on the geometry and/or the amplitude of the current. A control module (CTRL) is coupled to the measuring module, and intended to establish a correspondence between a specified duty cycle and an indicator of an operation mode of the electrical appliance. Independent claims are also included for the following: (1) an assembly for managing operation data of an electrical appliance (2) a method for determining an operation mode of an electrical appliance.