Connectivity-Enabled Power Outlet for Low-Cost Wireless Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
The integration of long-range wireless communication modules into unconnected devices is costly due to the high expense of components like WiFi chips, necessitating a cost-effective solution for introducing wireless communication capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A connectivity-enabled power outlet with a communication module and processing unit that enables data transfer and remote control of connected devices, leveraging the power connection to provide data communication without the need for dedicated wireless modules in the devices themselves.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If long-range wireless communication modules (e.g., WiFi chips) are integrated into unconnected devices, then wireless communication capability is achieved, but device cost increases drastically
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a power outlet as an intermediary device that provides wireless communication capabilities to connected devices without requiring the devices themselves to have wireless modules. The power outlet acts as a mediator between the network and the unconnected device, enabling communication through the power connection infrastructure already present in the device.
Solution Approach 2:
The power outlet is designed to perform multiple functions: traditional power delivery, data communication, and wireless communication relay. By making the power outlet universal and multi-functional, the system eliminates the need for separate wireless communication modules in each device, thereby reducing device cost while maintaining adaptability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If wireless communication modules are added to unconnected devices, then long-range communication is enabled, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The power outlet serves as an intermediary that handles all wireless communication protocols and data processing, allowing the connected device to remain simple and unchanged. The device only needs basic power reception and data interface capabilities, while the complex wireless communication functions are offloaded to the power outlet.
Solution Approach 2:
The system segments the wireless communication functionality from the end device and relocates it to the power outlet infrastructure. This segmentation allows the device to remain simple while the power outlet handles the complex wireless communication tasks, effectively separating concerns and reducing overall system complexity at the device level.
Data Source
AI summary
A power outlet for controlling power to an external device and transmitting data to the external device, the power outlet including: a housing containing at least one alternating-current power input connection; a power output connection; a data connector; a sensor module; a wireless communication module, including an antenna; a processing unit configured to receive data and control an electrically connected device through the power output connection and/or data connector based on the received data.