Smart RV Power Metering With Remote Switch Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current power distribution systems in recreational vehicle parks and similar facilities lack smart metering and control capabilities, leading to inefficiencies in power usage tracking and billing, as well as the inability to manage varying power demands across different types of vehicles and devices, and often require expensive retrofits or manual intervention.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a system that includes smart electrical power meters with network interfaces and electrically controlled switches, allowing remote control and monitoring via a mobile app, enabling users to select and pay for power based on specific current amounts and durations, and integrating with a remote server system for centralized management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional power distribution systems are used in recreational vehicle parks, then power delivery is simple and reliable, but power usage tracking and billing are inefficient and manual intervention is required
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automatic power usage tracking and billing through smart meters that continuously monitor consumption and a backend system that automatically generates and sends invoices to users based on their usage patterns, eliminating the need for manual meter reading and billing processes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical billing processes with an automated digital system that uses electronic sensors, network communication, and software algorithms to track power consumption and generate billing information automatically
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional power distribution systems are used, then system structure is simple, but the ability to manage varying power demands across different types of vehicles and devices is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts power delivery parameters based on real-time monitoring of vehicle type, device power requirements, and grid conditions, allowing flexible management of varying power demands across different vehicle and device configurations
Solution Approach 2:
The smart meter system is designed to handle multiple vehicle types (RVs, boats, trucks) and various power delivery scenarios through a unified platform that can adapt its control algorithms and interface configurations to different application requirements
3Measurement precision
If smart metering and control capabilities are implemented, then power management precision and user convenience are improved, but system complexity and initial cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces manual power management processes with automated electronic monitoring and control systems that use digital sensors, microprocessors, and communication networks to precisely measure and manage power consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors power consumption data and provides real-time feedback to both the control system and users through the interface, enabling precise measurement and responsive adjustment of power delivery based on actual usage patterns
4Productivity
If manual intervention is required for power management, then system simplicity is maintained, but operational efficiency and real-time control capability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs automatic power delivery control, usage monitoring, billing generation, and system management without requiring manual intervention, with the automated backend system handling all operational tasks from power allocation to customer billing
Solution Approach 2:
The smart meter system continuously monitors power consumption and maintains real-time control over power delivery, ensuring uninterrupted and optimized power supply to vehicles throughout their stay at the park
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a system, comprising: an electrical power meter comprising: a network interface; electrical power inputs configured to receive electrical power from a power-distribution system of a vehicle facility configured to host a plurality of vehicles; first and second electrically controlled switches coupled to vehicle power connectors; and a client-side processor configured to communicate with a remote server system; and the remote server system, configured to: cause a user-computing device of a user to display a user interface by which power-delivery is configurable; receive a request to deliver electrical power via a vehicle power connector; and in response, transmitting, to the electrical power meter, a command that causes the client-side processor to adjust the electrically controlled switch.