Energy Saving Outlet with Stand-by Current Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electrical equipment in stand-by mode consumes significant power due to constant power supply, and existing outlets lack energy-saving functions despite having surge absorbing or overload protection.
Innovation Solution
An energy-saving outlet with a sensor, control unit, and relay that turns off power when the equipment is in stand-by mode and senses a starting signal, using a current sensor to determine if the signal is valid, thereby eliminating stand-by current and reducing power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the outlet continuously provides power to electrical equipment, then the equipment can be immediately activated when needed, but the equipment consumes stand-by current and wastes energy
Solution Approach 1:
The outlet performs preliminary detection of stand-by current before cutting off power. The control unit monitors current consumption, identifies when equipment is in stand-by mode, and then proactively cuts power before significant energy waste occurs, while still maintaining readiness to restore power quickly when needed
Solution Approach 2:
The outlet uses a feedback mechanism where the control unit continuously monitors current consumption through the current detection module. When stand-by current is detected, the system feedbacks this information and automatically adjusts by cutting power, creating a closed-loop control system that optimizes energy consumption while maintaining operational readiness
2Use of energy by moving object
If the outlet cuts off power to save energy, then stand-by current is eliminated, but the equipment cannot be quickly activated when needed
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection and identification of stand-by states before cutting power. By using a timer module that monitors for prolonged periods of no operation, the system determines the optimal moment to cut power, ensuring equipment can be quickly reactivated when actually needed while minimizing energy waste during genuine idle periods
3Use of energy by moving object
If the outlet uses a sensor and control unit to detect stand-by state, then energy saving is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit serves multiple functions: it detects stand-by current, controls the relay switching, manages the timer logic, and coordinates with the sensor. By making the control unit multi-functional, the patent reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function, thereby managing device complexity while achieving energy savings
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the sensor, control unit, timer, and relay into an integrated outlet system rather than separate components. The control unit merges detection, decision-making, and execution functions, while the timer and relay are integrated into the same housing and control circuitry, reducing overall system complexity through consolidation
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 effectively reduces power consumption by turning off power to electrical equipment in stand-by mode when not in use, saving energy without compromising functionality or safety.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor, disposed in the housing and exposed the second opening, for sensing a starting signal of the electrical equipment
Implementation Method 2
a relay, one end being coupled to a power input terminal, and another end being coupled to the control unit, for being changed to an on or off state through the control signal
Implementation Method 3
the control unit will record the current amount of the outlet after the sensor sensing a starting signal emitted form a remote controller of the electrical equipment
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to an energy saving outlet, which comprises: a housing, having at least one first opening and a second opening thereon, for disposing the following elements at least one outlet, disposed in the housing and exposed the first opening, for providing an electrical equipment being plugged into; a sensor, disposed in the housing and exposed the second opening, for sensing a starting signal of the electrical equipment; a control unit, disposed in the housing and coupled to the sensor, for outputting a control signal when it receives the starting signal; a relay, one end being coupled to a power input terminal, and another end being coupled to the control unit, for being changed to an on or off state through the control signal; thereby the energy saving outlet can turn OFF its power when the electrical equipment has entered a stand-by state, so as to achieve the goal of energy saving. Furthermore, the present invention also provides an energy saving method by using an outlet.