Power Outlet Adapter Regulating Electronic Device Usage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Parents face challenges in monitoring and regulating the usage of gaming consoles and other electronic devices, which can lead to extended periods of non-productive time and reduced physical activity, especially when these devices are easily accessible in bedrooms or basements and require a power source.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that uses a computerized regulating adapter to control the connection between electronic devices and their power supply, allowing administrators to set usage schedules, track usage, and adjust these schedules based on analysis, while employing a locking mechanism to ensure compliance, either mechanically or contactlessly, and enabling remote power management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If electronic devices are made easily accessible in bedrooms or basements, then user convenience and accessibility are improved, but monitoring and regulating usage becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a power outlet adapter as an intermediary device between the power source and the electronic device. This adapter includes a usage regulating module that automatically monitors and controls device usage based on pre-set schedules, eliminating the need for parents to physically monitor the device in the child's room. The adapter acts as a mediator that enforces usage rules without requiring human presence.
2Reliability
If usage schedules are enforced through physical presence and constant supervision, then usage regulation effectiveness is improved, but ease of operation and convenience are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service operation where parents configure the usage schedule once through a mobile application or web interface, and the power outlet adapter autonomously enforces the schedule without requiring ongoing parental intervention. The device automatically tracks usage time, compares it against the configured schedule, and controls power delivery accordingly, allowing parents to set rules and then step away.
Solution Approach 2:
The usage regulating module continuously monitors device usage and provides feedback by comparing actual usage against the pre-configured schedule. When usage exceeds allowed time or occurs during blocked periods, the system automatically responds by cutting power or preventing device operation. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures reliable enforcement without human supervision.
3Ease of operation
If gaming consoles are made portable with charging docks, then mobility and ease of operation are improved, but the requirement for power outlets limits their portability
Solution Approach 1:
The power outlet adapter serves multiple functions: it provides standard power outlet access for charging, implements usage time regulation, monitors device usage, and controls power delivery. By combining these functions in a single device, the system maintains the universality of standard electrical outlets while adding intelligent control capabilities, allowing the same infrastructure to support both portable charging and regulated usage.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of regulating usage of an electronic device is provided that includes at least one remote server, a user personal computing (PC) device, an administrator PC device, at least one electronic device, and a computerized regulating adapter. The method begins by monitoring a current date-and-time with the computerized regulating adapter. An electrical plug is then physically secured to the computerized regulating adapter with a locking mechanism of the computerized regulating adapter. The electronic device is then electrically powered with the computerized regulating adapter, if the current date-and-time is any date-and-time from the plurality of available date-and-times. The electronic device is then disabled with the computerized regulating adapter, if the current date-and-time matches an arbitrary blocked date-and-time, wherein the arbitrary blocked date-and-time is any date-and-time from the plurality of blocked date-and-times.