Power Strip Tamper Detection via Electrical Characteristic Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing anti-theft security systems for electrical appliances are inadequate as they either allow theft without triggering an alarm or require aesthetically undesirable dedicated alarm cables and costly installations, and existing solutions do not reliably detect tampering with the power cord or appliance.
Innovation Solution
A power strip with an integrated electronic circuit that measures and compares electrical characteristics of the power cord and appliance, using the power cord itself as an alarm cable, allowing detection of tampering and triggering alarms without the need for additional cables or locks, and can be connected to a server for remote monitoring and control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a cable chain lock is used to secure the appliance, then the appliance can be held and tried by a customer, but the cable chain is relatively easy to cut and no alarm would be triggered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary alarm system that monitors the power cord connection status. The alarm cable acts as a mediator between the power supply system and the security monitoring system, detecting when the appliance is removed from the power strip and triggering an alarm, thereby enhancing theft prevention while maintaining customer ability to try the appliance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical cable chain lock system with an electrical monitoring system. Instead of relying on physical locking mechanisms that can be cut, the system uses electrical connection detection through the power cord and alarm cable to monitor appliance status and trigger alarms, providing more reliable theft prevention
2Reliability
If a dedicated alarm cable and alarm socket system is used, then theft prevention with alarm triggering is achieved, but dedicated alarm cables are aesthetically undesired and dedicated alarm sockets installation is costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the power cord serve multiple functions: it provides electrical power to the appliance and simultaneously acts as the alarm cable for security monitoring. The power strip serves dual purposes as both a power distribution device and an alarm system controller. This eliminates the need for separate dedicated alarm cables and sockets, reducing installation complexity and cost while maintaining theft prevention capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the power supply function and the alarm monitoring function into a single integrated system. The power cord and power strip are used for both electrical power delivery and security monitoring purposes, combining what were previously separate systems into one unified solution that reduces component count and installation requirements
3Ease of operation
If the power plug remains inserted in the socket according to prior art, then the appliance appears secured, but the appliance may still be taken away without triggering the alarm
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the alarm system continuously monitors the electrical connection status through the power cord. When the appliance is removed or the power cord is disconnected from the power strip, the system detects the change in electrical characteristic and triggers an alarm, providing reliable real-time feedback on the actual security status rather than just the appearance of the plug being inserted
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 provides a reliable and accurate method to detect tampering, reducing theft risks without additional cables, offering energy efficiency and aesthetic benefits, while enabling remote monitoring and control of the security system.
Implementation Method 1
The electronic circuit can be configured to measure a first electrical characteristic of the power cord and/or the electrical appliance when the power plug is inserted into the socket-outlet
Data Source
AI summary
A power strip for use in an anti-theft security system and an anti-theft security system for electrical appliances includes a socket-outlet for receiving a power plug that is electrically connected to a power cord for an electrical appliance. The power strip comprises an electronic circuit configured to measure a first electrical characteristic of the power cord and/or the electrical appliance when the power plug is inserted into the socket-outlet and to measure a second electrical characteristic of the power cord and/or the electrical appliance while the power plug is inserted. A change between the first measurement result and the second measurement results in triggering an alarm.