Smart Socket Management System for Meeting Room Power Allocation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power socket management systems in meeting rooms are inefficient, as users struggle to find available sockets while avoiding disruption and potential safety hazards with extension leads, and inductive charging is expensive and slow.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method and system that optimizes power socket usage by monitoring and processing data from user devices, providing notifications on optimized socket usage through a server-based system with smart sockets that manage power distribution and authentication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If extension leads are used to provide more power sockets, then more devices can be charged simultaneously, but safety hazards increase due to trip hazards, overheating, and reduced efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical extension lead system with an intelligent power management system that uses software control and communication protocols to allocate and manage power socket usage. The system uses user devices to request power allocation, the server to process requests and make decisions, and smart power sockets to execute power distribution, eliminating the need for physical extension leads and their associated safety hazards.
2Quantity of substance
If a multi-device charging hub is used, then multiple devices can be charged at one location, but access is blocked for the duration of the meeting once a person sits down
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic power socket allocation where the system continuously monitors power requests, event schedules, and socket availability to dynamically adjust power distribution in real-time. The server receives power requests from user devices, processes them against event information and current socket status, and dynamically allocates power sockets to users based on current needs, allowing flexible access during meetings without permanent blockages.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the state of power sockets from static (permanently occupied or available) to dynamic by introducing time-based and condition-based allocation parameters. Power socket availability is determined by factors such as event schedules, user requests, battery levels, and duration of events, allowing the system to optimize socket usage patterns and grant access based on changing conditions during meetings.
3Ease of operation
If inductive or wireless charging is provided in the meeting room, then all participants can charge from their position, but it is very expensive and takes a long time to charge energy intensive programs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a server as an intermediary between user devices and power sockets, acting as a intelligent mediator that optimizes power allocation. The server receives power requests, processes them against event information and socket availability, and coordinates power delivery to appropriate sockets, enabling efficient use of traditional power outlets without the high energy consumption and slow charging speeds of inductive charging systems.
4Speed
If users plug into the first available socket, then they can charge their devices quickly, but other participants may not find available sockets and experience battery drain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where user devices send power requests to the server, which monitors socket availability and event information in real-time. The server processes these requests and provides feedback by allocating specific power sockets to users, ensuring that power distribution is optimized for all participants rather than allowing first-come-first-served allocation that depletes available sockets.
Data Source
AI summary
Method and system are provided for power socket management. The method carried out at a server may include receiving power data from a plurality of user devices and obtaining event information for an event location, including details of the user devices required for the event. The method may process the power data for the required user devices for an event by optimizing the use of power sockets at the event location. The method may notify the required user devices of the optimized socket usage for a user device.