Intelligent Electrical Outlet with Current Sensor Data Archiving
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical systems do not allow consumers to effectively monitor and manage their energy consumption, as they are controlled by service providers and lack comprehensive data collection and control capabilities, limiting user control and information access.
Innovation Solution
An intelligent electrical outlet with current sensors, an electronic processing unit, memory, and communication interface that collects and archives data, detects anomalies, and allows users to transmit and manage their energy usage information, enabling personalized control and management of electrical uses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If existing electrical systems controlled by service providers are used, then energy supply is maintained, but consumer control and information access are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the electrical system into multiple independent components: current sensors at outlet levels, electronic processing units at consumer premises, and communication interfaces. This segmentation enables consumers to independently collect and manage their own energy data without relying on service provider systems, directly resolving the contradiction between maintaining energy supply and enabling consumer control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary devices including current sensors, electronic processing units, and communication interfaces that act as mediators between the electrical network and consumers. These intermediaries enable consumers to access and control their energy usage information independently, bridging the gap between service provider infrastructure and consumer needs.
2Adaptability or versatility
If comprehensive data collection is implemented, then energy management capability is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides data collection functions into modular segments: current sensors at outlets, processing units at premises, and communication interfaces. Each segment performs a specific function independently, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining comprehensive data collection capabilities for energy management.
Solution Approach 2:
The electronic processing unit serves multiple functions including data collection, data processing, anomaly detection, and communication, consolidating what could be separate complex components into a single multi-functional device, thereby improving energy management capability without proportionally increasing system complexity.
3Ease of manufacture
If electrical panels are simplified for cost savings, then owner costs are reduced, but user control and information access are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent moves functionality from the centralized electrical panel to distributed outlet-level devices and consumer premises units. This segmentation allows the electrical panel to remain simple and cost-effective while enabling user control and information access through the distributed intelligent devices that interact with the panel via communication interfaces.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The socket (300) has a current sensor (301) to measure a starting current and a potential difference, and an electronic processing unit (302) to collect data of the current sensor. An electronic memory archives the data collected from the current sensor through a communication interface (303), where the electronic processing unit is parameterized to detect faulty operations from the collected data, and to emit an alarm, and the communication interface is one of a radio connection, a Wi-Fi connection, and a power line communication channel. The electronic memory is a micro secure digital card (RTM: stamp-sized flash memory card). Independent claims are also included for the following: (1) a domestic electrical installation (2) a method for controlling the domestic electrical installation.