Smart Power Plug Control for Space-Saving Device Automation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current solutions for home device control and monitoring require expensive and bulky smart adapters, which are not suitable for space-constrained implementations and high-volume manufacturing processes.
Innovation Solution
A system with a 'smart fuse' device controller integrated within a power plug, enabling wireless monitoring and control of devices, including overcurrent protection, power management, and communication with a remote system controller, facilitating device automation and energy savings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If individual smart adapters are used between power socket and plug for device control and monitoring, then device control and monitoring capability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the device controller directly into the power plug structure, combining the functions of power delivery and device control/monitoring into a single integrated component. This eliminates the need for separate smart adapters between the socket and plug, thereby reducing system complexity while maintaining automation capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The power plug is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides power to the device, monitors device conditions, controls device functions, and communicates with the system controller. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require separate components, reducing overall system complexity.
2Extent of automation
If individual smart adapters are used for device control and monitoring, then automation capability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the device controller into the power plug, the patent reduces the total component count and assembly steps required. This consolidation simplifies the manufacturing process and reduces per-unit costs, making the solution suitable for high-volume production while maintaining automation functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated power plug design uses cost-effective components that can be manufactured at low cost for high-volume deployment. The straightforward integration approach enables economical production suitable for widespread adoption in consumer electronics.
3Extent of automation
If smart adapters are used for device control, then monitoring capability is improved, but space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device controller is integrated within the power plug structure, utilizing the existing space in the plug housing. This eliminates the need for additional space-consuming smart adapters in the power socket area, maintaining monitoring capability while reducing overall space requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods, and apparatus to facilitate wireless device monitoring and control are provided. A first device controller may be adapted to be disposed within a power connector, in series with conductors of the power connector. The power connector may be adapted to provide power from a power source to a device. The first device controller may include two terminals to electrically couple the first device controller with the conductors of the power connector. The first device controller may further include a power component to power the first device controller. The first device controller may be configured to monitor one or more conditions of the device, control one or more functions of the device, and wirelessly communicate with a system controller that is remote from the power connector and the device. The power connector may correspond to a power plug and/or a terminal block.