Smart RFID Electrical Outlet System for Energy Saving
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical outlets and switches lack safety features to prevent children from accessing them, consume energy even when devices are turned off, and cause interference with Bluetooth and WiFi devices due to continuous broadcasting, leading to reduced communication range and increased power consumption.
Innovation Solution
A smart RFID electrical unit system that includes a connection mechanism, an AC-DC voltage converter, a control unit, a relay unit, and an RFID tag to manage the ON/OFF state of electrical units using RFID communication, allowing for energy harvesting and efficient power management, while integrating safety features like authorization and scheduling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If Bluetooth technology is used for smart electrical outlets, then remote control capability is improved, but power consumption increases and communication range decreases due to continuous broadcasting
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by using RFID tags that are activated only when needed (when a parent needs to control an outlet) rather than continuous operation. The RFID system uses on-demand activation through card swiping or proximity detection, eliminating the need for continuous broadcasting that characterizes Bluetooth systems. This periodic activation dramatically reduces power consumption while maintaining remote control capability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If Bluetooth devices broadcast all the time in smart electrical outlets, then communication capability is improved, but interference with WiFi devices increases and communication range decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the harmful continuous broadcasting function from the smart outlet system and replaces it with RFID technology that operates only on demand. By removing the continuous Bluetooth broadcasting mechanism, the system eliminates the source of interference with WiFi devices while preserving the essential communication capability through alternative RFID-based interaction methods.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If plastic safety covers are used on electrical outlets, then child safety is improved, but the covers may be damaged due to repeated use and environmental factors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical plastic safety cover system with an electronic control system using RFID technology. Instead of relying on physical covers that can be damaged or removed by children, the system uses RFID authentication to electronically control outlet activation. This substitution eliminates the need for durable physical barriers while maintaining safety through intelligent access control.
4Ease of operation
If electrical outlets remain active to provide continuous power, then ease of use is improved, but energy consumption increases when devices are not in use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamics by making the electrical outlet system adaptable and responsive to actual usage needs. The RFID-controlled outlets dynamically adjust their state between active and inactive based on authentication events. This dynamic control allows the system to provide power when needed (maintaining ease of use) while consuming minimal energy when no devices are connected or authorized, eliminating the waste associated with continuously active outlets.
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 system provides safe and energy-efficient control of electrical units, reduces power consumption, minimizes interference with Bluetooth and WiFi devices, and offers parental control over children's access to electronic devices.
Implementation Method 1
Upon receiving data (electromagnetic waves or Radio Frequency signals) from the RFID reader, the RFID tag generates an energy harvesting that powers up its RFID microchip and wakes up the control unit
Data Source
AI summary
A smart radio frequency identification (RFID) system for controlling operation of electrical units is disclosed. The system includes a RFID tag, a control unit coupled to the RFID tag, a relay unit connected to the control unit and to the electrical unit, and an external RFID reader for generating radio frequency (RF) signals for sending data to the RFID tag when the RFID reader is placed next to the RFID tag. The RFID tag checks and stores the data and passes the data along to the control unit. The control unit sends a control signal to the relay unit in accordance with instructions contained in the data, causing the relay unit to operate the electrical unit between a first state and a second state. The system may also include sensors to monitor certain conditions of the electrical unit and cause the control unit to turn off the electrical unit when the conditions are abnormal.