Receptacle Temperature Sensing and Threshold Alerting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electrical receptacles, such as GFCI devices, lack effective monitoring and indication systems for temperature-related issues, which can lead to poor performance or failure due to overheating, especially in environments where temperature sensing is critical.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a sensor and controller within the receptacle to monitor temperature and output an indication when it crosses a threshold, utilizing a microprocessor and memory to compare sensed temperatures with set thresholds and communicate alerts through user interfaces or external devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If temperature monitoring and control systems are added to electrical receptacles, then safety and reliability are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The temperature monitoring function is segmented into a separate sensor module that can be independently integrated into the receptacle. This modular approach allows the monitoring capability to be added without redesigning the entire receptacle system, thus improving reliability while minimizing the increase in overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller is designed to perform multiple functions including temperature monitoring, threshold comparison, and indication output. By making the controller multi-functional, the patent improves reliability through comprehensive monitoring while avoiding the need for separate dedicated components for each function, thereby limiting the growth of device complexity.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If real-time temperature sensing is implemented, then safety is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary temperature monitoring and comparison actions before overheating damage occurs. The sensor continuously measures temperature, and the controller proactively compares readings against predetermined thresholds, enabling early detection and prevention of harmful overheating conditions before they manifest as safety issues.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where temperature sensor data is continuously fed back to the controller, which then compares the data against thresholds and triggers appropriate indications. This closed-loop feedback system ensures safety by automatically responding to temperature changes without requiring complex manual intervention or post-processing analysis.
3Productivity
If temperature threshold comparison and indication systems are added, then performance is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements partial monitoring by focusing on critical temperature thresholds rather than continuously analyzing the entire temperature range. The controller compares sensor readings against predetermined thresholds and triggers indications only when thresholds are exceeded, providing sufficient performance for safety monitoring without the complexity of continuous detailed analysis of all temperature variations.
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 real-time monitoring and alerting for temperature-related issues, preventing overheating and ensuring safe operation by providing timely indications of potential failures or malfunctions.
Implementation Method 1
The sensor is configured to sense a temperature of the receptacle
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical receptacle including an outlet, a load terminal, a line terminal, a sensor, and a controller. The outlet is configured to electrically connect to an external load. The load terminal is electrically connected to the outlet and the line terminal is electrically connected to a line and configured to receive line power. The sensor is configured to sense a temperature of the receptacle. The controller has an electronic processor and a memory. The controller is configured to receive the temperature of the receptacle, compare the temperature to a threshold, and output an indication in response to the temperature crossing the threshold.