Smart Power Strip Outlet Control for Overcurrent Surges
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Solution Overview
Problem
Multi-socket power extension sources often disconnect due to fluctuating current exceeding the current limit, disrupting appliance usage and requiring manual reset.
Innovation Solution
A Smart Power Strip with a controller that identifies and temporarily disconnects the outlet with the largest current surge while maintaining power to others, and periodically reconnects when current levels are safe.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a circuit breaker or overcurrent component is used to protect the power source, then the power source is protected from excessive current, but the power source is disconnected when current fluctuates and exceeds the current limit, interrupting usage
Solution Approach 1:
The power extension source is divided into multiple independent sockets, each controlled by its own switch. When overcurrent is detected, the system segments the load by disconnecting only the specific socket causing the surge rather than disconnecting the entire power source, thus protecting the power source while maintaining continuous power to other sockets.
Solution Approach 2:
The overcurrent protection is applied locally at each socket level rather than globally at the main power source. Each socket has individual switch control, allowing the system to apply protection measures selectively to only the affected local area (specific socket) while leaving other areas (other sockets) unaffected and continuously powered.
2Reliability
If the overcurrent component disconnects the power source when current limit is exceeded, then the power source is protected, but manual resetting is required which interrupts usage and loses time
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service by automatically detecting overcurrent conditions, identifying the specific socket causing the surge, and activating the appropriate switch to disconnect only that socket. The system then automatically resets the switch after a predetermined time period without requiring manual intervention, thus protecting the power source while eliminating time loss from manual resetting.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors current draw from each socket and provides feedback to the control circuit. When overcurrent is detected, the feedback triggers automatic switch activation to disconnect the problematic socket. After a predetermined time, the system receives feedback that current levels have normalized and automatically resets the switch, creating a closed-loop feedback system that eliminates manual resetting.
3Adaptability or versatility
If switches are added to control each power outlet individually, then dynamic current management is enabled, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The switches serve multiple functions: they act as overcurrent protection devices, individual outlet controls, and automatic reset mechanisms. The control circuit performs multiple tasks including current monitoring, surge identification, switch activation, and automatic resetting. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function, thereby managing device complexity while enabling dynamic current distribution control.
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-socket power extension source includes a power inlet port, and power outlets coupled to the power inlet port through switches. The multi-socket power extension source includes a controller configured to control the switches. The controller is configured to repetitively determine if an estimate of a total current through the power inlet port exceeds a prescribed current limit. When the estimated total current exceeds the prescribed current limit, the controller is configured to identify the outlet having the largest current increase and turn off the switch coupled to that outlet. The controller is further configured to reconnect the surge outlet, when an updated estimated total current is less than the prescribed current limit by at least the current of the surge outlet, or after a prescribed reconnect time period. The multi-socket power extension source may be coupled to a secondary multi-socket power extension source in an expansion configuration.