Power Receptacle Control Circuitry Modulated Light Grouping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional power receptacles lack advanced functionality and are complex to set up and operate, limiting their practical use in modern residential and commercial settings, especially with the integration of connected device technologies and the Internet of Things.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating power receptacle control circuitry with load switching, communications, sensor, and processing capabilities, including a light sensor, to enable selective power delivery and group formation based on modulated light signals, simplifying setup and control without user effort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If power receptacles are integrated into connected device technologies and Internet of Things networks, then functionality is enhanced, but setup and operation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The power receptacle automatically forms groups with other devices by detecting modulated light signals and receiving group identifiers without requiring manual user configuration. The device self-configures into networking groups based on optical signal detection, eliminating complex setup procedures while maintaining enhanced IoT functionality
Solution Approach 2:
Modulated light signals serve as an intermediary communication medium between power receptacles and other devices during the group formation process. The light sensor detects these optical signals to automatically establish device groupings, simplifying the networking setup without reducing functionality
2Ease of operation
If manual group formation and device pairing is required, then control precision is maintained, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The power receptacle automatically performs group formation by detecting modulated light signals from other devices and autonomously assigning or receiving group identifiers. This self-configuration process eliminates the need for manual user effort in device pairing while maintaining precise control over device groupings through automatic information exchange
3Ease of operation
If centralized control system is used, then coordination is simplified, but device complexity and setup requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is segmented into distributed autonomous power receptacles that each independently detect modulated light signals and form groups without requiring a centralized control system. Each device maintains its own control logic for group formation and coordination, eliminating the need for complex centralized infrastructure while achieving effective system-wide coordination
Solution Approach 2:
Modulated light signals act as an intermediary that enables direct peer-to-peer communication between power receptacles for group formation. This optical mediation allows devices to self-organize into coordinated groups without centralized control, simplifying system setup while maintaining effective coordination through distributed decision-making
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 solution allows for decentralized control of lighting networks, enabling independent operation of lighting fixtures while acting in concert, adjusting light output based on ambient and occupancy sensors, and simplifying the setup and control process through modulated light signals, enhancing functionality and user experience.
Implementation Method 1
The sensor circuitry includes a light sensor. The processing circuitry is coupled to the load switching circuitry, the communications circuitry, the sensor circuitry, and the memory. The memory includes instructions, which, when executed by the processing circuitry cause the power receptacle control circuitry to detect a modulated light signal via the light sensor
Data Source
AI summary
Power receptacle control circuitry includes load switching circuitry, communications circuitry, sensor circuitry, processing circuitry, and a memory. The sensor circuitry includes a light sensor. The processing circuitry is coupled to the load switching circuitry, the communications circuitry, the sensor circuitry, and the memory. The memory includes instructions, which, when executed by the processing circuitry cause the power receptacle control circuitry to selectively deliver power to a load via the load switching circuitry, detect a modulated light signal via the light sensor, and join a group of devices based on the modulated light signal.