Radio-Enabled Proximity Sensing for Appliance Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems lack efficient methods for controlling and monitoring appliances using radio-enabled components to manage power distribution and collect usage data, especially in emergency situations and for remote monitoring and control applications.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that utilize radio-enabled devices, such as smartphones, to sense proximity and identity, monitor appliance states, and alter operations based on user presence, integrating with external sensors and cloud-based services for data collection and remote control, enabling secure and efficient management of appliances like electric, gas, and solar devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If radio-enabled components are used to sense user proximity and identity, then security and control capability are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a radio-enabled component as an intermediary device that mediates between the user and the appliance. This component handles the complex tasks of proximity sensing, identity verification, and communication with the appliance, thereby improving security while isolating the complexity from the main appliance system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical control methods (physical keys, switches) with radio-frequency based sensing and communication. This substitution enables contactless proximity detection and wireless identity verification, enhancing security and convenience while reducing mechanical wear and physical contact requirements.
2Reliability
If continuous monitoring of appliance operating state is implemented, then safety and control are improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic monitoring of the appliance operating state rather than continuous monitoring. The radio-enabled component checks proximity and the appliance periodically reports its state, maintaining safety through regular updates while consuming less energy compared to continuous real-time monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback mechanisms where the appliance reports its operating state to the radio-enabled component, which then determines whether continued monitoring is necessary. This feedback loop allows the system to maintain safety by adjusting monitoring intensity based on actual operating conditions, reducing energy consumption during stable states.
3Loss of information
If usage data collection and transfer is implemented, then market intelligence and insurance applications are improved, but data privacy and security requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The radio-enabled component serves as an intermediary that collects usage data locally and manages the transfer to external systems. This intermediary role simplifies the data management complexity for the appliance itself while enabling comprehensive data collection for market intelligence and insurance applications through controlled data sharing.
4Loss of energy
If automatic shutoff based on user absence is implemented, then energy efficiency is improved, but user convenience may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the shutoff behavior based on detected user presence. When the radio-enabled component detects that the user is absent beyond a threshold, it triggers automatic shutoff to improve energy efficiency. However, the system allows users to override this behavior or adjust sensitivity settings, maintaining convenience when needed while achieving energy savings during genuine absences.
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
Enables secure, energy-efficient, and data-driven control of appliances, enhancing user safety and utility management by ensuring appliances are turned off in emergencies and optimizing energy usage based on user presence, while providing valuable usage data for insurance and market analysis.
Implementation Method 1
sensing an identity and a proximity of a user equipped with a radio-enabled component to the appliance
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method of monitoring and controlling powered gas or electric appliances or devices using proximity awareness and providing optional watchdog safety shutoff capabilities including an inline or remote monitor and control system, radio awareness of compatible components such as Bluetooth smartphones and dongles, and optional Internet connectivity for remote monitoring, control, and usage data accumulation.