Smart Outlet Voltage Mapping for Breaker and GFCI Identification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for mapping electric power outlets to circuit breakers in structures are inefficient, requiring tedious manual processes to identify which outlets are on common circuits, especially when ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCI) trip, as users lack knowledge of electrical power distribution layouts.
Innovation Solution
A system and method utilizing smart power testing devices connected to outlets, which communicate wirelessly with a mobile device to detect voltage changes and map outlets to breakers, including simulating ground faults to identify GFCI outlets, thereby efficiently determining circuit connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual methods are used to map outlets to breakers by selectively shutting off breakers and checking outlets, then outlet-to-breaker mapping can be achieved, but the process becomes tedious and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical checking of outlets with electronic voltage detection devices that automatically sense voltage presence/absence and wirelessly transmit data to a mobile device, substituting manual mechanical inspection with automated electronic detection and wireless communication systems
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables automatic self-mapping where voltage detection devices autonomously monitor breaker states, detect voltage changes, and generate the outlet-to-breaker mapping without requiring human intervention in the actual mapping process, though initial setup and device placement are user-performed
2Reliability
If ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCI) are installed in outlets, then circuit safety is improved, but it becomes difficult to identify which outlets are on common circuits when GFCI trips occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by having voltage detection devices continuously monitor voltage presence at outlets and automatically report status changes to a mobile device, providing real-time feedback about which outlets are affected when GFCI trips occur, thereby recovering the lost circuit layout information
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an intermediary mapping system that acts as a mediator between the GFCI outlets and the user, where the mobile device and voltage detection devices serve as intermediaries to identify and communicate which outlets are on the same circuit without requiring users to manually trace circuit connections
3Reliability
If comprehensive outlet mapping is performed to prevent circuit overloading, then circuit management reliability is improved, but the complexity of the testing and mapping process increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a multi-functional voltage detection device that combines voltage sensing, wireless communication, and data processing capabilities into a single portable unit, eliminating the need for multiple specialized tools and reducing overall system complexity despite comprehensive testing capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces complex manual testing procedures with automated electronic detection and wireless data transmission, substituting mechanical inspection methods with electronic systems that simplify the user interface while maintaining comprehensive testing functionality
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
This approach significantly reduces the time and effort required to map outlets to breakers, ensures accurate identification of GFCI outlets, and prevents overlooking or leaving devices behind, enhancing efficiency and accuracy in managing electrical circuits.
Implementation Method 1
an AC detection circuit coupled to the AC connector that provides an output to the processor indicating whether a commercial level of an AC voltage is present at the AC connector
Data Source
AI summary
The mapping of electric power distribution circuits and electric power outlets to breakers in a breaker panel is accomplished by providing a plurality of smart power testing devices and a control device that communicates with each of the smart power testing devices. Each of the smart power testing devices is connected to a respective one of the electric power outlets in a structure. Each smart power testing device can detect the AC voltage level provided at the electric power outlet. A user opens each breaker in the breaker panel, in succession. When a smart power testing device senses loss of AC voltage, it transmits a message to the control device. The control device can then identify which outlets are on a common electric power circuit, and by opening each breaker in succession, the control device can creating a mapping of outlets to breakers.