Digital Electronic System for Remote Appliance Power Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for controlling power distribution in home or office settings are inadequate in preventing potential fires and carbon monoxide poisoning, as they lack integration with smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and remote operation capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A digital electronic system that uses a microprocessor with internet protocol to receive audio alarms from detectors, convert them into digital encoded radio frequency signals, and remotely control electrical or gas power to appliances, thereby preventing fires or carbon monoxide poisoning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing power distribution control systems are used, then basic electrical control is provided, but they lack integration with smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and cannot prevent fires or carbon monoxide poisoning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the power distribution control system with smoke detector and carbon monoxide detector integration into a unified system. The control system receives signals from both types of detectors and automatically responds by shutting off power to affected circuits, merging multiple safety functions into one integrated system that improves fire and carbon monoxide safety without requiring separate standalone systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system is designed to respond to multiple types of alarm signals (smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors) through a single unified interface. The system can identify and differentiate between various alarm types and respond appropriately by shutting off power to specific circuits, providing multi-functional safety coverage while maintaining a single control mechanism.
2Ease of operation
If manual power control is used, then simple on/off switching is provided, but remote monitoring and control capabilities are lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a communication interface as an intermediary between the power control system and remote users. This interface receives alarm signals from detectors and transmits status information and control commands over communication networks, enabling remote monitoring and control capabilities while maintaining a clear separation between the physical power control components and the communication functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces manual mechanical power switching with automated electronic control based on detector signals. The control system automatically shuts off power to circuits when alarms are detected, eliminating the need for manual intervention and providing remote monitoring capabilities through electronic communication interfaces that transmit system status and enable distant operation.
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 system effectively prevents fires and carbon monoxide incidents by remotely shutting off power or gas to appliances, providing remote monitoring and control, and integrating with existing alarm systems for enhanced safety.
Implementation Method 1
a microphone and amplifier/comparator circuitry adapted for receiving an alarm from a smoke detector
Implementation Method 2
a microphone and amplifier/comparator circuitry adapted for receiving an alarm from a smoke detector
Implementation Method 3
a microphone and amplifier/comparator circuitry adapted for receiving an alarm from a smoke detector
Data Source
AI summary
A digital electronic system used for receiving an audio alarm from a smoke detector, a carbon monoxide detector and like detectors. The system amplifies and converts the alarm to a digital encoded radio frequency signal for shutting off power to a kitchen appliance. The system includes a microphone and an amplifier connected to a comparator circuit. This circuit provides for outputting a logic 0 or logic 1 and outputs logic 1, in the form of the digital radio frequency signal, if an audio alarm is received. The comparator circuit is connected to a transmitter and encoder circuit, which receives the frequency signal and transmits it to a radio frequency receiver and decoder circuit. This circuit then decodes the signal and disconnects the power to the appliance.