Signal Variance Power Controller for Appliance Mode Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power controllers struggle to accurately differentiate between standby and active modes in modern devices with complex power consumption behaviors, leading to inefficient energy savings and potential appliance damage due to unstable power cycling.
Innovation Solution
A signal variance sensing power controller that measures and analyzes power consumption patterns to determine the operating mode of a device, ensuring associated devices only draw power when the primary device is in use, not in standby or charging, using a combination of sensing outlets, LEDs for feedback, and a microcontroller to manage power distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a pre-set threshold mechanism is used to control power outlets, then the control is simple to implement, but the system becomes unstable when the measured appliance current is near the threshold, causing repeated power cycling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a static pre-set threshold to a dynamic adaptive threshold that automatically adjusts based on the measured appliance's power consumption patterns. The system learns the appliance's typical current draw and sets the threshold as a percentage of this learned value, allowing the control mechanism to adapt to different appliances and avoid instability near fixed thresholds.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the threshold parameter dynamically rather than using a fixed value. By calculating the threshold as a percentage (e.g., 90%) of the learned maximum current draw, the parameter adapts to each appliance's characteristics, preventing the repeated power cycling that occurs when appliances operate near a fixed threshold.
2Reliability
If a digital controller with fixed percentage threshold is used, then the trigger threshold is calibrated to avoid instability, but the system fails with appliances that have complex power consumption behavior like laptops
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary learning during an initial period when the appliance is first connected, building a profile of its power consumption patterns before attempting control. This preliminary action allows the system to understand the appliance's characteristics (including complex patterns like laptop charging and usage) before applying control logic, improving both reliability and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system serves itself by automatically learning and adapting to each appliance's unique power consumption profile without requiring manual configuration or user input. The appliance teaches the system its own characteristics through the learning process, enabling the controller to handle diverse appliance types including those with complex power patterns.
3Reliability
If analog circuitry with fixed threshold is used, then the mechanism is simple and reliable for predetermined criteria, but it cannot adapt to appliances with varying power consumption patterns
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/analog fixed-threshold system with a digital learning-based system. Instead of using analog circuitry with a predetermined threshold, the system uses a microcontroller to digitally learn and adapt to each appliance's power consumption patterns, combining the reliability of digital control with the adaptability of machine learning.
Data Source
AI summary
A signal variance sensing power controller is described. The power controller functions by measuring the power consumption of a first device, and detecting fluctuations in the power consumption. The power controller then determines a level of variability, based on measured changes in the first device. Based on the level of variability, the power controller then determines a state of the first device, and influences a second device based on that state.