Smart Power Socket MCU Wireless Control Circuit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power sockets, including GFCI types, lack intelligent operation capabilities and fail to support smart home systems, preventing effective management and remote control of electrical appliances.
Innovation Solution
A smart power socket is designed with an MCU, power supply circuit, wireless module circuit, and drive switch control circuit, enabling remote on/off control and integration into a smart home system through a LAN and internet connection, utilizing power line coupling, signal receiving and transmitting circuits, and leakage detection for safe operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If traditional power socket structure is used, then device simplicity is maintained, but intelligent operation capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into a single power socket device: power supply, wireless communication (WiFi module), control processing (MCU), and appliance management all combine in one unit. This integration enables intelligent operation while avoiding the complexity of separate distributed systems, directly resolving the contradiction between automation capability and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The power socket is designed with multi-functionality: it provides power supply, wireless communication, control signaling, and appliance monitoring simultaneously. The socket can serve as both a traditional power outlet and a smart control node, enabling intelligent operation without requiring separate dedicated devices for each function.
2Adaptability or versatility
If power socket is made smart with multiple circuits, then intelligent management is enabled, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary approach by using existing communication infrastructure (WiFi network, Internet) as a mediator between the power socket and control systems. This allows intelligent management capabilities to be achieved without complex direct communication circuits, as the socket leverages external network infrastructure for data transmission and control.
3Ease of operation
If remote control capability is added, then operational convenience is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The power socket's communication module is designed with multi-functionality: it handles both appliance control commands and status reporting through the same WiFi interface. This dual functionality enables remote control capability while avoiding the need for separate communication channels, thus reducing overall system complexity.
4Ease of manufacture
If existing networks are leveraged, then cost is reduced, but integration complexity arises
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service functionality where the power socket automatically performs network configuration, device discovery, and integration with existing smart home ecosystems without requiring manual setup or complex configuration procedures. This automation reduces integration complexity while maintaining cost-effectiveness by leveraging existing network infrastructure.
Data Source
AI summary
Smart power socket comprising an MCU, a power supply circuit connected to the MCU, a wireless module circuit, and a drive switch control circuit, where the power supply circuit is connected to a low voltage power line, the wireless module circuit is connected to an external control device by means of wireless communication, and the drive switch control circuit is controlled by the MCU to implement controlling of on and off states of the smart power socket. Further, a smart home system comprising a remote control terminal and the smart power socket, where the smart power socket constitutes a LAN and is connected to Internet by means of a smart home gateway, and the remote control terminal is connected to the smart power socket by means of Internet to implement remote controlling of a household appliance plugged into the smart power socket.