Electrical Outlet Control Circuit for Timed Shock Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current safety devices for electrical power sources are inadequate in preventing serious injury or death from electrocution, as they fail to distinguish between electrical currents supplied to appliances and humans, and do not allow individuals to release contact during a shock due to involuntary muscle contraction.
Innovation Solution
A control circuit system that intermittently connects and disconnects an electrical conductor with a voltage source, monitored by a current sensor, allowing the individual to release the conductor before severe injury occurs by de-energizing the conductor after a short period of current detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If current safety devices are used to prevent electrical contact, then some protection is provided, but serious injury or death may still occur because the devices cannot distinguish between appliance and human contact
Solution Approach 1:
The system monitors electrical current parameters over time and detects anomalies that indicate human contact versus normal appliance operation. By analyzing current magnitude, duration, and temporal patterns, the system distinguishes between safe and dangerous contact scenarios, enabling selective safety intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors current flow and provides real-time feedback to control the circuit breaker. When human contact is detected through current analysis, the system immediately triggers circuit interruption. The feedback loop enables dynamic safety responses based on ongoing electrical conditions.
2Productivity
If continuous electrical voltage is provided to the conductor, then normal electrical operation is maintained, but the person cannot release contact due to involuntary muscle contraction
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic monitoring of electrical current and uses timed circuit interruption when human contact is detected. The circuit breaker trips for a predetermined time interval, then automatically resets. This periodic on-off action allows the person to release contact during the off interval while restoring power if the contact is no longer present.
Solution Approach 2:
The system preemptively interrupts the electrical circuit upon detecting human contact, before severe injury can occur. By acting in advance and cutting power during the brief contact period, the system prevents the cumulative effects of prolonged electrical exposure and muscle contraction.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the circuit breaker disconnects immediately upon current detection, then safety is improved, but normal appliance operation is interrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The system analyzes current parameters including magnitude, duration, and temporal patterns to distinguish between normal appliance operation and dangerous human contact. By setting appropriate current thresholds and monitoring time-based characteristics, the system avoids false tripping during normal use while quickly responding to actual hazards.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure is directed to preventing serious injury or death by electrocution due to contact with a power source, such as an alternating current (AC) voltage source. Methods and apparatus consistent with the present disclosure may controllably provide an electrical voltage to an electrical conductor for a period of time and then remove that voltage from the electrical conductor before providing the electrical voltage to the electrical conductor a second time. By initially connecting the electrical voltage to the conductor, then removing that electrical voltage from the conductor before re-connecting that electrical voltage to the conductor, methods and apparatus consistent with the present disclosure allow a person to let go of the electrical conductor before the person is seriously injured or killed by an electrical shock in an instance where the body of the person is in physical contact with the electrical conductor.