Outlet Heat Detector with Power Shutoff and Ejection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electrical fires pose a significant risk due to various causes such as loose connections, faulty appliances, and improper wiring, and existing solutions fail to effectively prevent or automatically address these issues, as standard fire extinguishers are not suitable for electrical fires and may not immediately stop the flow of electricity.
Innovation Solution
A temperature-sensing apparatus equipped with heat sensors, a processor, and a wireless transceiver that monitors electrical outlet temperatures, alerts users through an audible alarm, and can remotely power down appliances or eject from the outlet when excessive heat is detected, integrating with a smartphone app for whole-home electrical fire prevention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If standard fire extinguishers are used on electrical fires, then the flames may be extinguished, but the fire will continue to burn as long as electricity is flowing and the extinguisher is not suitable for electrical fires
Solution Approach 1:
The outlet receptacle automatically detects temperature increases and shuts off power to the outlet without human intervention, making the electrical system self-protecting against fire hazards
Solution Approach 2:
The system detects temperature rises before they cause ignition and preemptively shuts off power, preventing the fire from spreading and eliminating the need for post-ignition fire suppression
2Ease of operation
If a firefighter responds to an electrical fire, then the fire can be treated as a normal combustion fire, but clarity to turn off the electricity source may be lost or the firefighter may not realize the source is electrical
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides immediate feedback by sounding an audible alarm and sending a notification to the user's smartphone, clearly indicating an electrical fire hazard at the outlet, eliminating any ambiguity about the fire source
Solution Approach 2:
The temperature-sensing apparatus acts as an intermediary between the electrical system and the user, translating temperature data into clear alarm signals that communicate the electrical fire risk without requiring the user to diagnose the problem
3Reliability
If temperature monitoring and automatic power shutoff features are added to outlet receptacles, then electrical fires can be prevented, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The temperature sensor, processing unit, communication module, and power shutoff mechanism are integrated into a single outlet receptacle unit, combining multiple functions into one device without requiring separate components
Solution Approach 2:
The outlet receptacle performs multiple functions: providing electrical power, monitoring temperature, communicating with users, and automatically shutting off power, making it a multi-functional device that adds safety capabilities without requiring additional separate devices
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 solution effectively prevents electrical fires by automatically shutting off power and alerting users to potential hazards, reducing property damage and risk of injury through early detection and intervention.
Implementation Method 1
a heat sensor housed inside said outer shell
Data Source
AI summary
A system and apparatus for sensing temperature to prevent electrical fires is provided for. Here, a device that plugs into a wall outlet, or attaches to the wall plate of a wall outlet, is equipped with an audible alarm and at least one temperature sensor, such that the device can sense the temperature of an appliance plugged into it, as well as the temperature of the electrical wires powering the wall outlet and the outlet receptacle. The device is capable of turning off the power to an appliance, as well as ejecting itself from the wall outlet entirely. It can be operated automatically or through a software application. Optionally, the apparatus is combined with a second device that connects to the main circuit panel of a house that is capable of stopping the flow of electricity to an entire house.