Extension Cord Wireless Timing Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional extension cords with timing functions are cumbersome and costly, as they require additional timers and can be centrally controlled, leading to inconvenience and safety issues when the master device is compromised or inaccessible, and they fail to efficiently manage standby power consumption in residential and office settings.
Innovation Solution
An extension cord with a wireless timing function utilizing a programmable logic controller, wireless transmission module, and operation and control module allows central remote timing and recording of receptacle states, automatically resetting to ON when power is turned off and allowing manual input if remote control fails, ensuring safe and convenient operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If an additional timer is connected to the receptacle to enable timing function, then the power receptacle can automatically control power supply timing, but the consumer's cost increases and convenience decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the timing function directly into the extension cord by integrating a timer module and wireless communication module into the extension cord housing. This merging eliminates the need for separate external timers, allowing the extension cord to provide both power extension and automated timing control as a single integrated device, thereby reducing cost and improving convenience while maintaining automation
Solution Approach 2:
The extension cord is designed with multi-functionality by incorporating not only power transmission but also timing control and wireless communication capabilities. The single device can function as both a power extension cord and an automated timing controller, eliminating the need for multiple separate devices and improving overall system efficiency and user convenience
2Adaptability or versatility
If centralized control is implemented through a master set, then power management is unified, but the system becomes vulnerable to destruction and invasion, causing appliances to fail
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the control system into independent units where each extension cord can operate autonomously with its own timer and wireless communication module. This segmentation eliminates the single point of failure in centralized systems, as each unit can function independently even if others are compromised, thereby improving system reliability and security while maintaining centralized control capabilities through wireless coordination
3Loss of energy
If the master set turns off lamps in an office, then power is saved, but persons cannot move safely in the dark
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic or staged power control where the extension cord can be programmed to turn off power at different times for different receptacles. This allows for gradual power reduction rather than simultaneous shutdown, enabling safety lighting to remain on longer while other appliances are turned off, thereby reducing energy consumption while maintaining safety
Solution Approach 2:
The extension cord provides individual control for each receptacle through separate timing settings, allowing different power management strategies for different devices. Critical safety-related receptacles can be configured with longer timing or remain on while non-essential appliances are turned off, enabling localized power management that balances energy savings with safety requirements
Data Source
AI summary
In an extension cord with wireless timing function, there are included a receptacle housing having more than one flush plug receptacles and internally including a current converter, a power switch and a plurality of electronic relays corresponding to the receptacles; a programmable logic controller in the receptacle housing for controlling the ON/OFF state of the receptacles; a wireless transmission module in the receptacle housing for receiving a wireless signal from a remote device; a power cord connected at an end to the power switch; and an operation and control module located on the receptacle housing and connected to the controller. Thus, timed power supply by each of the receptacles can be set and recorded at the remote device. When the power switch is turned to off, the controller automatically resets the receptacles to ON; and when the power switch is turned to on again, the receptacles will remain to “ON”.