Smart Socket PCB Thermal Sensing for Early Electrical Hazard Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fire detection systems in households often fail to detect electrical hazards early enough to prevent fires, and systems like waking watches are inefficient and costly.
Innovation Solution
A smart socket device with a thermal sensor to measure the surface temperature of its conductor, a processor to detect temperature thresholds, and a communications link to alert users and remote devices, forming a network for early hazard detection and mitigation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional smoke or CO sensors are deployed to detect fire risks, then fire detection capability is provided, but detection occurs too late to prevent fire and the system does not dramatically reduce fire occurrence
Solution Approach 1:
The smart socket performs preliminary detection of electrical hazards by monitoring conductor temperature before fire actually occurs. The thermal sensor detects abnormal temperature rises in the conductor that precede fire conditions, enabling early intervention and prevention rather than late detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces conventional smoke/CO sensing mechanisms with thermal sensing of the electrical conductor itself. Instead of detecting byproducts of fire (smoke, carbon monoxide), the system directly measures temperature of the electrical conductor to detect hazardous conditions at their source.
2Reliability
If a waking watch service is employed to manually patrol buildings for fire detection, then fire detection is provided, but the service is expensive and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The smart socket system is self-monitoring and automatically detects electrical hazards without requiring manual intervention. The device autonomously measures conductor temperature, processes the data, and triggers alerts, eliminating the need for human watchers to patrol buildings.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of manual patrolling with an automated electronic monitoring system. Thermal sensors and processors continuously monitor electrical conditions, substituting human labor with automated detection technology that is both cheaper and more efficient.
3Reliability
If communal alarm systems are deployed in multiple occupancy buildings, then fire alarm coverage is provided, but it is difficult to locate the source of the hazard
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the building into multiple independent monitoring zones, with each smart socket monitoring its specific electrical circuit and location. When a hazard is detected, the alert includes precise location information identifying which socket and which appliance circuit is affected, enabling rapid localization of the problem.
Solution Approach 2:
The smart socket system provides feedback about the specific location and nature of electrical hazards. The communications link transmits detailed information back to users or monitoring centers, including which appliance circuit is affected and the precise location, enabling targeted response rather than general alarm.
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
Enables early detection of electrical hazards, allowing for timely intervention to prevent fires and improve safety in households, especially in multi-occupancy buildings.
Implementation Method 1
a thermal sensor arranged to detect the surface temperature of the conductor of the PCB
Data Source
AI summary
A smart socket device is described which includes a socket arranged to receive an electrical plug of an electrical appliance; a mains current connector for connection to a mains current supply cable; a PCB comprising a conductor arranged such that current flows through the conductor between the mains current connector and the electrical plug during use; a thermal sensor arranged to detect the surface temperature of the conductor of the PCB; a processor in communication with the thermal sensor, the processor configured to determine when the sensed surface temperature of the conductor exceeds a predetermined threshold; and a communications link configured to communicate with a remote device. The invention also includes an electrical safety system comprising the smart socket device configured to communicate with one or more remote devices. The invention also includes a safety module for insertion into an electrical socket device and a safety module for insertion into a smart socket device.