Smart Power Strip Control for Automatic Standby Power Cutoff
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional outlet and multi-tap devices fail to efficiently interrupt standby power, leading to energy wastage and inconvenience due to the need for manual switching, which is often cumbersome and ineffective.
Innovation Solution
An outlet apparatus with integrated standby power interrupters, a mode selector, and a controller that automatically determines the power state of connected devices to interrupt standby power, allowing for independent or interworking operation and remote control via a remote switch unit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If a manual switch is attached to the outlet or multi-tap to interrupt standby power, then standby power consumption is reduced, but the user experiences inconvenience due to the switch being located in an inaccessible place
Solution Approach 1:
The outlet apparatus automatically detects the power state of connected electronic products through current sensing and autonomously controls the standby power interrupter without requiring user intervention. The system serves itself by monitoring its own operational state and making decisions to interrupt or supply power accordingly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical switch with an automated electronic control system that uses a controller, current sensor, and standby power interrupter to automatically manage power delivery based on detected device states, eliminating the need for physical user interaction.
2Ease of operation
If a remote control with infrared receiver is used to automatically interrupt standby power, then user convenience is improved, but the system complexity and cost increase due to additional power source requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The outlet apparatus uses its existing power source to supply the controller, eliminating the need for separate power sources required by remote control systems. The system leverages its own operational power to enable automatic detection and control functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller performs multiple functions including detecting device power states, determining operational modes, and controlling the standby power interrupter, consolidating what would otherwise require separate components into a single multi-functional unit.
3Extent of automation
If the outlet supplies power to enable remote control operation, then automatic power interruption is achieved, but standby power is generated within the outlet itself
Solution Approach 1:
The controller intelligently determines when to supply power based on local conditions - it only supplies power when electronic products are connected and requires standby power interruption, and selectively enters sleep mode when no devices are connected, optimizing power usage at the local outlet level.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller periodically transitions between active and sleep modes based on the presence and state of connected devices, supplying power only when needed for automatic control operations and conserving energy during idle periods.
Data Source
AI summary
An outlet or multi-outlet power strip device for interrupting standby power is provided that includes at least one standby power shut-off unit, which is provided correspondingly to at least one receptacle outlet and either supplies or shuts off power to an electronic product connected to the at least one receptacle outlet depending on the status of the electronic product; an outlet power supply, which receives power from the at least one standby power shut-off unit, and converts and supplies the input power to the outlet; a mode selector, to which a selected mode on whether the outlet should be operated in independent mode or cooperative mode is input; and a controller, which sets a standby current of the electronic product, detects the power status of the electronic product by using the set standby current, and controls the at least one standby power shut-off unit according to the detected power status.