Power Outlet Availability Detection With Real-Time User Notification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical power outlets lack a mechanism to efficiently notify users or systems about the availability and state of outlets, particularly in public or shared spaces, leading to inconvenience and inefficiency.
Innovation Solution
The development of an electrical receptacle with a switch that outputs a signal when an electrical device is received, integrated with a notification control unit to determine and communicate the availability status of the receptacle to user devices, using wireless or wired communication protocols.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If traditional electrical outlets are used without notification mechanisms, then the structure remains simple and cost-effective, but users cannot efficiently determine outlet availability in public or shared spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by using a switch that detects when an electrical device is received at the outlet and generates a signal indicating the outlet's availability state. This feedback mechanism allows users to know whether an outlet is occupied or available without physically checking it, resolving the information loss problem while adding only minimal structural complexity through the integration of a detection switch and signal generation component.
2Productivity
If a notification system is added to electrical receptacles, then real-time availability monitoring is enabled, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by enabling the outlet to automatically detect its own availability state through an integrated switch and communicate this information via generated signals without requiring external monitoring systems. The receptacle serves itself by providing availability notification, which improves resource management efficiency in shared spaces while avoiding the need for complex external infrastructure.
3Loss of information
If shutters are used to cover outlets when occupied, then outlet availability is visually indicated, but the mechanism becomes more complex and may interfere with device insertion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical shutter system with an electronic signal-based notification mechanism. Instead of using physical shutters that move to indicate occupancy, the invention uses a switch that generates electrical signals to communicate outlet availability. This substitution eliminates the mechanical complexity and potential interference with device insertion while still providing clear availability information through the signal generation system.
Data Source
AI summary
A notification system including an outlet and a notification center. The outlet is configured to output a signal indicative of the availability of the outlet. The notification control unit is configured to receive the signal, determine availability of the outlet based on the signal, and output information corresponding to the availability of the outlet to at least one selected from a group consisting of a computer, a smart phone, and a tablet.