Resonant Loop Antenna Outlet for Stable RF Load Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical outlet control systems are inefficient in managing energy consumption, particularly due to 'vampire' loads that continue to consume energy in standby mode, and require additional control devices for effective load management, increasing costs and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A controllable electrical outlet with a resonant loop antenna for RF signal reception, allowing for remote control of plug-in loads via RF signals, reducing energy consumption by turning off 'vampire' loads and simplifying system installation by eliminating the need for additional control devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional monopole antennas are used in controllable electrical outlets, then RF signal reception is achieved, but RF performance degrades significantly when devices are plugged into the receptacles
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna is divided into two separate loops: a feed loop for receiving RF signals and a main loop for providing a stable reference potential. This segmentation allows each loop to perform its specific function independently, preventing interference from plugged-in devices from affecting the overall antenna performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The main loop acts as an intermediary element that provides a stable reference potential between the feed loop and ground. This intermediary structure isolates the RF signal reception function from the electrical connections made by plugged-in devices, maintaining consistent RF performance regardless of device insertion.
2Adaptability or versatility
If additional control devices are used to manage plug-in loads, then load control functionality is achieved, but system cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The controllable electrical outlet is designed to perform multiple functions within a single device: it provides standard electrical receptacle functionality, integrates RF signal reception for remote control, and incorporates load control capability through the resonant loop antenna system. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate control devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the antenna structure with the outlet housing and integrates the RF communication circuit directly into the outlet's electrical system. The feed loop and main loop are structurally integrated with the outlet body, merging what would traditionally be separate components into a unified device.
3Reliability
If resonant loop antenna with feed loop and main loop is used, then RF performance remains stable with plugged-in devices, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The feed loop and main loop are constructed using flexible printed circuit board (PCB) traces rather than rigid wire formations. This allows the antenna structure to be manufactured using standard PCB fabrication processes, significantly simplifying production compared to traditional wire-wound antenna assemblies while maintaining the required electrical characteristics.
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 effectively manages energy consumption by remotely controlling plug-in loads, reducing standby power usage and simplifying system installation, thereby lowering costs and enhancing energy efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The resonant loop antenna may comprise a feed loop electrically coupled to an RF communication circuit and a main loop magnetically coupled to the feed loop
Implementation Method 2
The RF performance of the controllable electrical outlet may be substantially immune to devices plugged into the receptacles (e.g., plugs, power supplies, control devices, etc.) due to the operation of the resonant loop antenna
Data Source
AI summary
A controllable electrical outlet may comprise a resonant loop antenna. The resonant loop antenna may comprise a feed loop electrically coupled to a radio-frequency (RF) communication circuit and a main loop magnetically coupled to the feed loop. The controllable electrical outlet may comprise one or more electrical receptacles configured to receive a plug of a plug-in electrical load and may be configured to control power delivered to the plug-in electrical load in response to an RF signal received via the RF communication circuit. The RF performance of the controllable electrical outlet may be substantially immune to devices plugged into the receptacles (e.g., plugs, power supplies, etc.) due to the operation of the resonant loop antenna. For example, degradation of the RF performance of the controllable electrical outlet may be less when the controllable electrical outlet includes the resonant loop antenna rather than other types of antennas.