External Operation Control Device for Remote Power Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for controlling power supply in electronic devices are limited by increased socket size, reduced outlet numbers, and inability to remotely manage individual device power usage, leading to inefficiencies in energy management and increased costs, with smart devices being vulnerable to damage from weather-related external shocks.
Innovation Solution
An operation control device that connects to electronic devices and transmits/receives signals to control power usage, including a measuring unit for power calculation, a communicating unit for data transmission, and a control unit for power interruption, allowing remote control and management of devices without requiring internal power management circuits, and includes surge protection against weather-related shocks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a load detection circuit or power control circuit is built in a socket, then power control capability is improved, but the socket size increases and the number of outlets decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the power control functionality from the socket and relocates it to a separate operation control device that connects between the power adapter and the electronic apparatus. This allows the socket to remain compact while still enabling automated power control through the external device that communicates with the electronic apparatus to detect operation states and control power supply accordingly.
2Extent of automation
If a smart meter is built in electronic apparatus, then remote control capability is improved, but the cost of the electronic apparatus increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an operation control device as an intermediary component that provides smart meter functionality without requiring modification of the electronic apparatus itself. This separate device communicates with the electronic apparatus to enable remote control and power management capabilities while keeping the cost burden on the add-on device rather than increasing the base price of the electronic apparatus.
3Adaptability or versatility
If digital control technique is added to existing electronic apparatus, then power management functionality is improved, but the replacement time of existing apparatus increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the power management functionality into a separate operation control device that can be independently added to existing electronic apparatus without requiring integration into the device's internal circuitry. This modular approach allows users to upgrade power management capabilities of existing devices immediately by simply connecting the external control device, eliminating the need to wait for device replacement cycles.
4Extent of automation
If power control is centralized in socket, then control capability is improved, but the ability to control individual apparatus decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local quality by enabling the operation control device to individually identify and control each electronic apparatus it is connected to. The device can detect the operation state of each apparatus separately and apply power control decisions specific to each device, allowing customized power management for individual apparatus while maintaining the convenience of centralized control through a single external device.
Data Source
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AI summary
An operation control device for an electronic apparatus is provided. An operation control device for an electronic apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, which is connected to an electronic apparatus and can transmit and receive signals to and from the electronic apparatus and a control device for remotely controlling use of power in the electronic apparatus, comprises: a measuring unit for calculating the amount of power supplied to the electronic apparatus; and a communicating unit for receiving identification information of the electronic apparatus and state information of the electronic apparatus from the electronic apparatus, transmitting information regarding the amount of power, the identification information of the electronic apparatus, and the state information of the electronic apparatus to the control device, and receiving a first control signal for controlling operation of the electronic apparatus from the control device and then transmitting the first control signal to the electronic apparatus, thereby switching the electronic apparatus to an off mode or a sleep mode.