Smart Outlet TCP/IP Protocol for Load Management

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing power distribution systems face challenges in efficiently managing and controlling electricity delivery, particularly during peak usage periods, leading to indiscriminate power interruptions and safety issues due to the lack of intelligent monitoring and control at the consumer level.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of intelligent circuit devices, such as smart electrical outlets, that can monitor and control power distribution using network messaging protocols like TCP/IP, allowing for real-time monitoring of connected devices and selective power delivery based on load analysis, safety concerns, and usage patterns.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If traditional unintelligent circuit devices are used for power distribution, then device complexity is low and ease of manufacture is high, but power distribution efficiency is poor and safety monitoring capabilities are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower distribution efficiencyVSAvoidcircuit device complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The intelligent circuit device performs self-monitoring of electrical parameters (current, voltage, temperature) and automatically executes control functions based on pre-programmed safety rules and grid policies, eliminating the need for external monitoring systems and enabling autonomous power management decisions at the outlet level

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The device continuously monitors electrical parameters and device status, compares them against safety thresholds and policy requirements, and dynamically adjusts power delivery in real-time based on the monitored feedback, enabling adaptive power distribution that responds to changing conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If intelligent monitoring and control is implemented at the outlet level, then safety monitoring capability is improved and power distribution efficiency is enhanced, but device complexity increases and manufacturing cost rises

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesafety monitoring capabilityVSAvoidcircuit device complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The intelligent outlet integrates multiple functions including power distribution, electrical parameter monitoring, device identification, safety hazard detection, and communication capabilities into a single universal device that can serve various purposes from basic power delivery to advanced grid management and safety protection

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The intelligent circuit device acts as an intermediary between the power grid and connected electrical devices, mediating power flow and information exchange while enforcing safety rules and grid policies, thereby enhancing system-wide reliability without requiring modifications to end-use devices

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If rolling blackouts are implemented to address over capacity conditions, then power grid stability is maintained, but power delivery reliability to consumers deteriorates and productivity is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower grid stabilityVSAvoidpower delivery reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments power control authority from the grid level down to individual outlet levels, enabling granular control of power delivery to specific devices or circuits, which allows the grid to maintain stability through targeted load management rather than blanket blackouts that disrupt all consumers in a region

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The intelligent outlet dynamically adjusts power delivery based on real-time monitoring of grid conditions, device requirements, and policy parameters, enabling flexible response to over-capacity conditions that maintains grid stability while minimizing impact on consumer productivity through selective and temporary power adjustments

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Reliability

If traditional circuit breakers and fuses are used for hazard avoidance, then basic safety protection is provided, but responsiveness to safety issues such as potential electrocutions is insufficient and monitoring precision is low

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesafety protection capabilityVSAvoidsafety parameter monitoring precision

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces traditional mechanical circuit breakers and fuses with intelligent electronic control mechanisms that use microprocessors and sensors to monitor electrical parameters, enabling precise detection of safety hazards like ground faults and potential electrocution conditions with response times much faster than mechanical devices

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS9588534B2Communications protocol for intelligent outlets

Publication Date: 2017.03.07 ZONIT STRUCTURED SOLUTIONS LLC

AI summary

A control system (300) allows recognized standard premise electrical outlets, for example NEMA, CEE and BS, among others to be remotely monitored and/or controlled, for example, to intelligently execute blackouts or brownouts or to otherwise remotely control electrical devices. The system (300) includes a number of smart receptacles (302) that communicate with a local controller (304), e.g., via power lines using the TCP/IP protocol. The local controller (304), in turn, communicates with a remote controller (308) via the internet.