IoT Power Switch Control Against Magnetic Shutdown
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Solution Overview
Problem
IoT devices powered by magnets and magnetic sensors are vulnerable to being intentionally or inadvertently shut down, posing risks in asset tracking and other applications where continuous operation is desired.
Innovation Solution
An IoT device that uses a magnetic sensor to control power states, with a remote server configuring the switch to prevent open-circuiting when a magnet is detected, ensuring continuous operation via a disable signal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a magnetic sensor is used to control power states in an IoT device, then the device can be easily powered on and off, but the device becomes vulnerable to unauthorized shutdowns by magnets
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic power control system where the switch behavior changes based on operational state. Initially, the magnetic sensor controls power states for easy operation. Once the device connects to a remote server, the controller receives configuration instructions that disable the sensor's ability to shut down the device. This dynamic transition from static magnetic control to controlled immunity ensures continuous operation while maintaining initial ease of setup.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from remote server configuration instructions to modify the switch behavior. The controller receives feedback about the device's operational status and adjusts the switch configuration accordingly. When the device successfully connects to the server, the server sends instructions that feedback to the controller, which then disables the magnetic sensor's shutdown capability, creating a feedback loop that ensures continuous operation.
2Reliability
If the switch is configured to prevent open-circuiting when a magnet is detected, then unauthorized shutdowns are prevented, but the ease of using a magnet for quick shutdown is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by configuring the switch to ignore magnetic sensor signals before they can cause unauthorized shutdowns. The device is designed to establish its operational state and receive server configuration instructions before allowing any magnetic shutdown attempts. This preliminary configuration ensures that the switch is pre-programmed to maintain continuous operation, preventing the need for reactive shutdown blocking.
3Productivity
If the magnetic sensor remains active for shutdown control, then quick shutdown is possible, but the device is susceptible to malicious or accidental deactivation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary layer between the magnetic sensor and the power switch. The controller acts as a mediator that receives signals from the magnetic sensor but filters them based on configuration instructions from the remote server. This intermediary mechanism allows the system to maintain the quick shutdown capability through the sensor while blocking harmful magnetic interference through the controller's selective signal processing.
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
Prevents unauthorized power shutdowns by maintaining device operation despite magnetic interference, enabling secure and reliable tracking.
Implementation Method 1
a switch including a sensor to detect a first condition
Data Source
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AI summary
An Internet of Things device and method for controlling the flow of power to a device through remote instructions. The device may include a battery and a switch coupling the battery to a main circuit, the switch including a sensor detecting a first condition. While detecting the first condition, the switch may be open-circuited, decoupling the battery from the main circuit. While not detecting the first condition, the switch is close-circuited, coupling the battery to the main circuit and providing power. The device may further include a controller coupled to a wireless communications module, which may receive instructions from a remote server. These instructions may instruct the controller to send a disable signal to the switch, preventing the switch from becoming open-circuited when the sensor detects the first condition.