Smart Plug GFI Trip Detection and Wireless Notification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing GFI circuits and smart plugs lack the ability to immediately notify users of a GFI circuit trip, leading to potential damage or loss before remedial action can be taken, and fail to distinguish between a GFI trip and a total power loss across the premises.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a smart plug and the GFI Notify application, which communicates via Z-Wave, ZigBee, WiFi, or Bluetooth, detects GFI circuit trips and notifies users through various channels, distinguishing between GFI trips and total power outages by using multiple smart plugs to monitor both GFI and non-GFI circuits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If users rely on visual inspection of indicator lights or connected devices to detect GFI circuit trips, then no additional notification system is needed, but users cannot be timely notified when away from the premises or unable to observe the indicator
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a smart plug as an intermediary device between the GFI circuit and the user. The smart plug detects power loss on the GFI circuit and transmits notification signals wirelessly to the user's mobile device, eliminating the need for direct visual inspection and enabling timely notification even when users are away from the premises.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring the power status of the GFI circuit through the smart plug and providing real-time notifications to users when a trip occurs. The system also provides feedback by detecting when power is restored and notifying users of the restoration, creating a closed-loop monitoring system.
2Measurement precision
If a single smart plug is used to detect power loss, then notification is provided, but the system cannot distinguish between a GFI circuit trip and a total power outage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the monitoring system into multiple independent smart plugs, each monitoring a specific circuit or outlet. By segmenting the monitoring function across multiple devices, the system can compare readings from different plugs to determine whether a power loss is localized to a GFI circuit or affects the entire premises, thereby improving detection accuracy without requiring a single complex centralized system.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for ground fault circuit interrupter trip detection and entire premises loss of power and restoration detection and notification of those events is disclosed. An example system may receive a smart plug identification. The system may authorize a smart plug. The system may link the smart plug to a smart plug application. The system may query the smart plug to obtain a power notification. The system may notify smart plug application of a power status.