NFC Tag Integration in Outlet Faceplates for Circuit Identification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical circuit breaker panels in residential and commercial settings have messy and hard-to-use identification systems for determining which breaker controls specific circuits or outlets, often relying on small and easily illegible markings that can become disorganized over time.
Innovation Solution
A near field communications (NFC) identification tag system is integrated into electrical outlet and switch faceplates, allowing users to identify which circuit breaker is connected to a particular outlet or switch without removing the faceplate, enabling easy access to information through NFC-capable devices and providing a durable, user-friendly method for listing and monitoring connected devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If traditional markings and labels are used on circuit breaker panels, then identification information can be displayed, but the information becomes messy, illegible, and disorganized over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical labeling systems (stickers, tape, handwritten markings) with an electronic identification system using NFC tags and wireless communication. This substitution eliminates the physical degradation and disorganization issues of traditional labels while maintaining identification functionality through digital storage and wireless retrieval.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a digital copy of the circuit breaker identification system where the actual breaker panel remains unchanged, but a separate digital database stores and manages identification information. This allows multiple users to access identical information without physically altering the breaker panel, preventing the mess and illegibility problems of traditional labeling.
2Loss of information
If detailed identification information is written on small breaker panel labels, then circuit breaker connections can be identified, but the small size makes the information difficult to read
Solution Approach 1:
The patent moves the identification information from the two-dimensional constrained space of small breaker panel labels to a multi-dimensional digital environment accessible via mobile devices. This allows the same information to be displayed in larger, more readable formats without requiring physical space expansion at the breaker panel location.
3Ease of manufacture
If masking tape or sticky notes are used for identification, then temporary labeling can be applied, but they fall off over time and writing fades
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces temporary adhesive-based labeling systems with permanent electronic NFC tags embedded in the breaker panel. These tags use wireless communication to store and transmit identification information, eliminating the reliability issues of adhesive degradation and writing fading while maintaining ease of information updates through digital means.
4Loss of information
If manual tracking of electrical connections is used, then circuit breaker information can be recorded, but the process is time-consuming and prone to errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements an automated feedback system where NFC tags at electrical outlets communicate with the central database, automatically updating connection information. This eliminates manual recording by creating a self-updating system that retrieves and verifies connection data through wireless communication, reducing both time and human error.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service functionality where the database automatically maintains and updates electrical connection information without requiring manual intervention. The NFC tags and wireless communication system allow the database to self-populate and self-correct, eliminating the time-consuming manual tracking process while ensuring accurate information maintenance.
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 NFC tag system simplifies the identification of circuit breakers, reduces downtime during replacements, and allows for remote monitoring and control of circuit breakers, improving the organization and management of electrical connections in both residential and commercial environments.
Implementation Method 1
providing a near field communications tag located on a back side of the electrical outlet faceplate cover
Data Source
AI summary
A system for identifying which electrical outlets are electrically connected to a circuit breaker, including an electrical outlet faceplate cover having a plurality of electrical outlet openings and a fastener located between the plurality of electrical outlet openings such that the electrical outlet faceplate cover is located over an electrical outlet, a circuit breaker panel having at least one circuit breaker located on the circuit breaker panel, and a near field communications tag located on a back side of the electrical outlet faceplate cover, wherein the near field communications tag is operatively connected to the fastener such that the near field communications tag contains information related to which of the at least one circuit breakers is electrically connected to the electrical outlet.