Dual-Path Smart Socket for Domestic PLC Noise Isolation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing smart sockets and conventional sockets have a single circuit path, leading to noise interference from conventional appliances degrading Power Line Communication (PLC) quality when used with smart appliances.

Innovation Solution

A smart socket with two circuit paths, one with an isolator for conventional plugs to filter noise and another without an isolator for smart plugs, allowing seamless communication.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a single circuit path is used in smart sockets, then device complexity is reduced, but PLC quality deteriorates due to noise from conventional appliances

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecircuit path structureVSAvoidPLC quality

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The circuit path is segmented into two separate paths: a first circuit path with an isolator for conventional appliances and a second circuit path without an isolator for smart appliances. This segmentation allows each path to be optimized for its specific appliance type, resolving the contradiction between simplicity and PLC quality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different circuit path configurations are provided for different appliance types. The first circuit path includes an isolator specifically for conventional appliances that generate noise, while the second circuit path provides direct coupling for smart appliances. This local differentiation optimizes PLC quality for each appliance category without unnecessarily complicating the overall structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If an isolator is added to filter noise from conventional appliances, then PLC quality improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovePLC qualityVSAvoidcircuit path structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A switching mechanism is introduced to dynamically select between the first circuit path (with isolator) and the second circuit path (without isolator) based on the type of appliance connected. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to use the isolator only when necessary, improving PLC quality without permanently increasing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The switching mechanism acts as an intermediary that manages the complexity of having two circuit paths. It automatically selects the appropriate path based on appliance type, shielding the user from the complexity while enabling the system to optimize PLC quality by using the isolator only when needed for conventional appliances.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If the isolator is placed in the circuit path for conventional plugs, then noise filtering improves, but transmission performance for smart devices deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenoise filteringVSAvoidtransmission performance

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The circuit path is divided into two separate paths: one with an isolator for noise filtering (first circuit path) and one without an isolator for direct coupling (second circuit path). Smart appliances are connected through the second path, ensuring high transmission performance without the isolator's signal attenuation, while conventional appliances use the first path where noise filtering is beneficial.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The isolator is locally applied only to the first circuit path where it is needed for noise filtering from conventional appliances. The second circuit path maintains direct coupling without the isolator, preserving transmission performance for smart devices. This localized application resolves the contradiction by optimizing each path for its specific appliance type.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enhances PLC quality by isolating noise from conventional appliances and ensuring direct communication for smart devices, improving transmission performance and reducing equipment load.

Implementation Method 1

the isolator filters out noise generated by a conventional appliance via the conventional plug on the first circuit path

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectNoise filtering: Filter (electronic)

Data Source

PatentEP4641937A1Smart socket and adapter for optimizing the quality of domestic power line communication

Publication Date: 2025.10.29 HK OCEANCOMM TECH CO LTD

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AI summary

The present invention discloses a smart socket and adapter for optimizing the quality of domestic power line communication. The smart socket features first and second circuit paths coupled to a power grid. The first path includes an isolator; the second bypasses it. A circuit path switch selects the path based on whether an inserted plug is conventional or smart. For the conventional plug, the switch selects the first path; the isolator filters noise from the connected conventional appliance, protecting PLC performance on the network. For the smart plug, the switch selects the second path, bypassing the isolator. This ensures the smart plug couples directly to the power grid, preventing its own PLC signals from being filtered by the isolator. The smart adapter incorporates similar principles, coupling via connector pins.